Cambridge, MN vs Independence, MN

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MN and Independence, MN is dramatic. Cambridge is 54.5% cheaper than Independence, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 93 while Independence sits at 205, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $1,232/month compared to $3,500/month in Independence — a 65% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cambridge is more affordable at $234,800 median vs $757,800.

Median household income in Cambridge is $67,632 compared to $194,205 in Independence (-65.2%). While Independence is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 21.6% in Independence.