Columbia Heights, MN vs Crookston, MN

The cost of living difference between Columbia Heights, MN and Crookston, MN is dramatic. Crookston is 41.3% cheaper than Columbia Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Columbia Heights has a cost index of 97 while Crookston sits at 68, 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 Columbia Heights is $1,278/month compared to $827/month in Crookston — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Crookston is more affordable at $160,700 median vs $259,900.

Median household income in Columbia Heights is $74,688 compared to $54,003 in Crookston (+38.3%). The higher salaries in Columbia Heights partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia Heights spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Crookston.