Crookston, MN vs West St. Paul, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Crookston is 28.7% cheaper than West St. Paul. With a cost index of 68 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Crookston to West St. Paul should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Crookston is $827/month compared to $1,195/month in West St. Paul — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Crookston is more affordable at $160,700 median vs $281,800.

Median household income in Crookston is $54,003 compared to $70,738 in West St. Paul (-23.7%). The higher salaries in West St. Paul partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Crookston spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, less than the 20.3% in West St. Paul.