Buffalo, MN vs Cottage Grove, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Buffalo is 19.5% cheaper than Cottage Grove. With a cost index of 93 vs 116, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Buffalo to Cottage Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo is $1,111/month compared to $1,644/month in Cottage Grove — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Buffalo is more affordable at $281,900 median vs $359,600.

Median household income in Buffalo is $88,306 compared to $121,452 in Cottage Grove (-27.3%). While Cottage Grove 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 spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, less than the 16.2% in Cottage Grove.