Elbow Lake, MN vs Gilman, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elbow Lake is 20.1% cheaper than Gilman. With a cost index of 62 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elbow Lake to Gilman should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elbow Lake is $600/month compared to $920/month in Gilman — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elbow Lake is more affordable at $120,800 median vs $221,100.

Median household income in Elbow Lake is $30,000 compared to $68,750 in Gilman (-56.4%). While Gilman is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elbow Lake spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 16.1% in Gilman.