Brainerd, MN vs Fridley, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brainerd is 24.3% cheaper than Fridley. With a cost index of 74 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brainerd to Fridley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brainerd is $848/month compared to $1,270/month in Fridley — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $277,100.

Median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 compared to $79,274 in Fridley (-32.3%). While Fridley 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, less than the 19.2% in Fridley.