Carlton, MN vs Granite Falls, MN

Granite Falls is moderately more affordable than Carlton, with a 7.4% lower cost of living index. Carlton scores 75 compared to 70 for Granite Falls, 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 $818/month in Granite Falls — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Granite Falls is more affordable at $139,700 median vs $205,300.

Median household income in Carlton is $61,944 compared to $59,402 in Granite Falls (+4.3%). The higher salaries in Carlton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlton spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in Granite Falls.