Carlton, MN vs Pelican Rapids, MN

The cost of living difference between Carlton, MN and Pelican Rapids, MN is dramatic. Pelican Rapids is 33.2% cheaper than Carlton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carlton has a cost index of 75 while Pelican Rapids sits at 56, 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 Carlton is $914/month compared to $349/month in Pelican Rapids — a 162% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pelican Rapids is more affordable at $177,700 median vs $205,300.

Median household income in Carlton is $61,944 compared to $65,482 in Pelican Rapids (-5.4%). Pelican Rapids offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlton spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 6.4% in Pelican Rapids.