Coon Rapids, MN vs Elk River, MN

Coon Rapids, MN and Elk River, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.3% difference in their overall index. Coon Rapids scores 103 while Elk River scores 103 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 Coon Rapids is $1,418/month compared to $1,269/month in Elk River — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elk River has cheaper rent, Coon Rapids actually has lower median home values ($287,200 vs $338,300).

Median household income in Coon Rapids is $86,618 compared to $99,457 in Elk River (-12.9%). Elk River offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Coon Rapids spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in Elk River.