Carlos, MN vs Tonka Bay, MN

The cost of living difference between Carlos, MN and Tonka Bay, MN is dramatic. Carlos is 57.8% cheaper than Tonka Bay, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carlos has a cost index of 75 while Tonka Bay sits at 178, 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 Carlos is $888/month compared to $2,299/month in Tonka Bay — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carlos is more affordable at $174,600 median vs $869,900.

Median household income in Carlos is $65,625 compared to $151,563 in Tonka Bay (-56.7%). The higher salaries in Tonka Bay partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlos spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in Tonka Bay.