Brainerd, MN vs Richfield, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brainerd is 28.3% cheaper than Richfield. 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 Richfield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brainerd is $848/month compared to $1,334/month in Richfield — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $320,400.

Median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 compared to $84,055 in Richfield (-36.1%). While Richfield 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% in Richfield.