Dennison, MN vs Ellendale, MN

The cost of living difference between Dennison, MN and Ellendale, MN is dramatic. Ellendale is 41% cheaper than Dennison, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dennison has a cost index of 100 while Ellendale sits at 71, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Dennison is $1,600/month compared to $820/month in Ellendale — a 95% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellendale is more affordable at $150,000 median vs $215,600.

Median household income in Dennison is $51,250 compared to $80,417 in Ellendale (-36.3%). Ellendale offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Dennison spend roughly 37.5% of their income on rent, more than the 12.2% in Ellendale. The Ellendale ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.