Chaska, MN vs Lake Elmo, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chaska is 26.7% cheaper than Lake Elmo. With a cost index of 111 vs 152, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chaska to Lake Elmo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chaska is $1,436/month compared to $2,204/month in Lake Elmo — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chaska is more affordable at $379,400 median vs $588,900.

Median household income in Chaska is $110,000 compared to $153,407 in Lake Elmo (-28.3%). While Lake Elmo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chaska spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, less than the 17.2% in Lake Elmo.