Buffalo Lake, MN vs Gilman, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Buffalo Lake is 15.3% cheaper than Gilman. With a cost index of 65 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Buffalo Lake to Gilman should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo Lake is $763/month compared to $920/month in Gilman — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Buffalo Lake is more affordable at $106,000 median vs $221,100.

Median household income in Buffalo Lake is $56,719 compared to $68,750 in Gilman (-17.5%). While Gilman is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo Lake spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 16.1% in Gilman.