Crystal, MN vs Waite Park, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waite Park is 26.4% 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 Waite Park 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 $1,072/month in Waite Park — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waite Park is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $280,500.

Median household income in Crystal is $86,752 compared to $56,884 in Waite Park (+52.5%). While Crystal is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Crystal spend roughly 19.9% of their income on rent, less than the 22.6% in Waite Park.