Carver, MN vs Gaylord, MN

The cost of living difference between Carver, MN and Gaylord, MN is dramatic. Gaylord is 69.1% cheaper than Carver, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carver has a cost index of 112 while Gaylord sits at 66, 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 Carver is $1,347/month compared to $739/month in Gaylord — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gaylord is more affordable at $163,300 median vs $427,600.

Median household income in Carver is $144,408 compared to $60,500 in Gaylord (+138.7%). While Carver is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carver spend roughly 11.2% of their income on rent, less than the 14.7% in Gaylord.