Clarkfield, MN vs Lake Crystal, MN

Clarkfield, MN and Lake Crystal, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Clarkfield scores 65 while Lake Crystal scores 66 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 Clarkfield is $792/month compared to $644/month in Lake Crystal — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lake Crystal has cheaper rent, Clarkfield actually has lower median home values ($86,400 vs $193,800).

Median household income in Clarkfield is $57,232 compared to $77,979 in Lake Crystal (-26.6%). While Lake Crystal is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clarkfield spend roughly 16.6% of their income on rent, more than the 9.9% in Lake Crystal.