Brainerd, MN vs Circle Pines, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brainerd is 25.9% cheaper than Circle Pines. With a cost index of 74 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brainerd to Circle Pines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brainerd is $848/month compared to $1,337/month in Circle Pines — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $277,300.

Median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 compared to $96,477 in Circle Pines (-44.3%). While Circle Pines is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brainerd spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 16.6% in Circle Pines.