Cottonwood, MN vs Upsala, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Upsala is 17.1% cheaper than Cottonwood. With a cost index of 65 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Upsala to Cottonwood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cottonwood is $914/month compared to $725/month in Upsala — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Upsala is more affordable at $143,400 median vs $180,200.

Median household income in Cottonwood is $90,750 compared to $61,250 in Upsala (+48.2%). While Cottonwood is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cottonwood spend roughly 12.1% of their income on rent, less than the 14.2% in Upsala.