Elgin, MN vs Hartland, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hartland is 21.2% cheaper than Elgin. With a cost index of 60 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hartland to Elgin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $738/month compared to $506/month in Hartland — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hartland is more affordable at $135,600 median vs $218,200.

Median household income in Elgin is $87,000 compared to $64,833 in Hartland (+34.2%). While Elgin is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, more than the 9.4% in Hartland.