Brainerd, MN vs Maplewood, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brainerd is 26.3% cheaper than Maplewood. 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 Maplewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brainerd is $848/month compared to $1,316/month in Maplewood — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $291,300.

Median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 compared to $88,534 in Maplewood (-39.3%). While Maplewood 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 17.8% in Maplewood.