Carlos, MN vs Wheaton, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wheaton is 29.1% cheaper than Carlos. With a cost index of 58 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wheaton to Carlos should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlos is $888/month compared to $582/month in Wheaton — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wheaton is more affordable at $82,200 median vs $174,600.

Median household income in Carlos is $65,625 compared to $52,260 in Wheaton (+25.6%). The higher salaries in Carlos 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, more than the 13.4% in Wheaton.