Elbow Lake, MN vs Jackson, MN

Elbow Lake, MN and Jackson, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Elbow Lake scores 66 while Jackson scores 65 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elbow Lake is $746/month compared to $702/month in Jackson — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Jackson is more affordable at $118,900 median vs $118,900.

Median household income in Elbow Lake is $56,786 compared to $57,328 in Jackson (-0.9%). Jackson offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elbow Lake spend roughly 15.8% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Jackson.