Brainerd, MN vs Elko New Market, MN

The cost of living difference between Brainerd, MN and Elko New Market, MN is dramatic. Brainerd is 47.2% cheaper than Elko New Market, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brainerd has a cost index of 74 while Elko New Market sits at 140, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Brainerd is $848/month compared to $2,311/month in Elko New Market — a 63% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $407,400.

Median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 compared to $147,381 in Elko New Market (-63.6%). While Elko New Market 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 18.8% in Elko New Market.