Clarks Grove, MN vs Lutsen, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clarks Grove is 23.7% cheaper than Lutsen. With a cost index of 71 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clarks Grove to Lutsen should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clarks Grove is $867/month compared to $1,013/month in Lutsen — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clarks Grove is more affordable at $132,800 median vs $347,500.

Median household income in Clarks Grove is $69,792 compared to $78,750 in Lutsen (-11.4%). Lutsen does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Clarks Grove spend roughly 14.9% of their income on rent, less than the 15.4% in Lutsen.