Edina, MN vs Forest Lake, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Forest Lake is 29.1% cheaper than Edina. With a cost index of 109 vs 141, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Forest Lake to Edina should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Edina is $1,757/month compared to $1,379/month in Forest Lake — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Forest Lake is more affordable at $375,900 median vs $624,000.

Median household income in Edina is $129,225 compared to $89,879 in Forest Lake (+43.8%). While Edina is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Edina spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Forest Lake.