East Grand Forks, MN vs Ely, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ely is 23.6% cheaper than East Grand Forks. With a cost index of 62 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ely to East Grand Forks should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in East Grand Forks is $872/month compared to $627/month in Ely — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ely is more affordable at $150,800 median vs $243,800.

Median household income in East Grand Forks is $74,618 compared to $46,042 in Ely (+62.1%). While East Grand Forks is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of East Grand Forks spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Ely.