Carlton, MN vs Sandstone, MN

Carlton, MN and Sandstone, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.6% difference in their overall index. Carlton scores 75 while Sandstone scores 76 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlton is $914/month compared to $1,011/month in Sandstone — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Carlton has cheaper rent, Sandstone actually has lower median home values ($137,500 vs $205,300).

Median household income in Carlton is $61,944 compared to $50,288 in Sandstone (+23.2%). Carlton 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, less than the 24.1% in Sandstone.