Blue Earth, MN vs Lake St. Croix Beach, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Blue Earth is 23.1% cheaper than Lake St. Croix Beach. With a cost index of 72 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Blue Earth to Lake St. Croix Beach should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Blue Earth is $916/month compared to $963/month in Lake St. Croix Beach — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Blue Earth is more affordable at $125,200 median vs $334,600.

Median household income in Blue Earth is $59,118 compared to $100,134 in Lake St. Croix Beach (-41%). While Lake St. Croix Beach is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Blue Earth spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Lake St. Croix Beach.