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Cloquet, MN vs Columbus, MN

77
Cloquet
Minnesota
VS
-35.7%
119
Columbus
Minnesota

The cost of living difference between Cloquet, MN and Columbus, MN is dramatic. Cloquet is 35.7% cheaper than Columbus, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cloquet has a cost index of 77 while Columbus sits at 119, 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 Cloquet is $978/month compared to $1,534/month in Columbus — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cloquet is more affordable at $200,100 median vs $439,200.

Median household income in Cloquet is $63,854 compared to $117,917 in Columbus (-45.8%). While Columbus is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cloquet spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.6% in Columbus.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Cloquet
77
36% cheaper
Columbus
119
Median Household Income
Cloquet
$63,854
Columbus
$117,917
46% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Cloquet
$978
36% cheaper
Columbus
$1,534
Median Home Value
Cloquet
$200,100
54% cheaper
Columbus
$439,200
Population
Cloquet
12,582
Columbus
4,211

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Cloquet $2.97
Columbus $3.20
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Cloquet $2.42
Columbus $2.61
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Cloquet $3.90
Columbus $4.21
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Cloquet $1.79
Columbus $1.93
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Cloquet $4.01
Columbus $4.33
US $4.14
Electricity
Cloquet $0.17
Columbus $0.17
US $0.19