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Center City, MN vs Garden City, MN

98
Center City
Minnesota
VS
+42.4%
69
Garden City
Minnesota

The cost of living difference between Center City, MN and Garden City, MN is dramatic. Garden City is 42.4% cheaper than Center City, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Center City has a cost index of 98 while Garden City sits at 69, 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 Center City is $1,156/month compared to $850/month in Garden City — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Garden City is more affordable at $154,500 median vs $327,500.

Median household income in Center City is $94,712 compared to $77,222 in Garden City (+22.6%). The higher salaries in Center City partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Center City spend roughly 14.6% of their income on rent, more than the 13.2% in Garden City.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Center City
98
Garden City
69
30% cheaper
Median Household Income
Center City
$94,712
18% higher
Garden City
$77,222

Housing

Median Rent
Center City
$1,156
Garden City
$850
26% cheaper
Median Home Value
Center City
$327,500
Garden City
$154,500
53% cheaper
Population
Center City
668
Garden City
228

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Center City $3.20
Garden City $2.97
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Center City $2.61
Garden City $2.43
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Center City $4.21
Garden City $3.91
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Center City $1.93
Garden City $1.79
US $1.85
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Chicken breast
Center City $4.33
Garden City $4.02
US $4.14
Electricity
Center City $0.17
Garden City $0.17
US $0.19