Burnsville, MN vs Oakdale, MN

Burnsville, MN and Oakdale, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Burnsville scores 110 while Oakdale scores 106 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 Burnsville is $1,501/month compared to $1,452/month in Oakdale — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oakdale is more affordable at $305,900 median vs $335,100.

Median household income in Burnsville is $83,953 compared to $90,379 in Oakdale (-7.1%). Oakdale offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Burnsville spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 19.3% in Oakdale.