Crystal, MN vs Moorhead, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Moorhead is 25.3% cheaper than Crystal. With a cost index of 82 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Moorhead to Crystal should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Crystal is $1,437/month compared to $1,017/month in Moorhead — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Moorhead is more affordable at $246,300 median vs $280,500.

Median household income in Crystal is $86,752 compared to $69,371 in Moorhead (+25.1%). The higher salaries in Crystal partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Crystal spend roughly 19.9% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Moorhead.