Carlton, MN vs Freeborn, MN

Freeborn is moderately more affordable than Carlton, with a 13.6% lower cost of living index. Carlton scores 75 compared to 66 for Freeborn, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Carlton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlton is $914/month compared to $833/month in Freeborn — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Freeborn is more affordable at $87,900 median vs $205,300.

Median household income in Carlton is $61,944 compared to $44,545 in Freeborn (+39.1%). While Carlton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlton spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22.4% in Freeborn.