Brainerd, MN vs Falcon Heights, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brainerd is 28.2% cheaper than Falcon Heights. With a cost index of 74 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brainerd to Falcon Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brainerd is $848/month compared to $1,200/month in Falcon Heights — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $366,800.

Median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 compared to $93,233 in Falcon Heights (-42.4%). While Falcon Heights 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 15.4% in Falcon Heights.