Dilworth, MN vs Lake Elmo, MN

The cost of living difference between Dilworth, MN and Lake Elmo, MN is dramatic. Dilworth is 43.9% cheaper than Lake Elmo, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dilworth has a cost index of 85 while Lake Elmo sits at 152, 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 Dilworth is $1,053/month compared to $2,204/month in Lake Elmo — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dilworth is more affordable at $268,100 median vs $588,900.

Median household income in Dilworth is $89,577 compared to $153,407 in Lake Elmo (-41.6%). The higher salaries in Lake Elmo partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Dilworth spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.2% in Lake Elmo.