Buhl, MN vs Willow River, MN

Buhl, MN and Willow River, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Buhl scores 71 while Willow River scores 73 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buhl is $1,032/month compared to $758/month in Willow River — a 36% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Willow River has cheaper rent, Buhl actually has lower median home values ($115,700 vs $197,700).

Median household income in Buhl is $58,179 compared to $52,188 in Willow River (+11.5%). Buhl offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Buhl spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 17.4% in Willow River.