Carlton, MN vs Lexington, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carlton is 27.8% cheaper than Lexington. With a cost index of 75 vs 104, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carlton to Lexington should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlton is $914/month compared to $1,462/month in Lexington — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carlton is more affordable at $205,300 median vs $282,000.

Median household income in Carlton is $61,944 compared to $72,955 in Lexington (-15.1%). The higher salaries in Lexington 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, less than the 24% in Lexington.