Elgin, MN vs Moose Lake, MN

Elgin, MN and Moose Lake, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Elgin scores 73 while Moose Lake scores 75 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 Elgin is $738/month compared to $901/month in Moose Lake — a 18% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elgin has cheaper rent, Moose Lake actually has lower median home values ($205,000 vs $218,200).

Median household income in Elgin is $87,000 compared to $61,576 in Moose Lake (+41.3%). Elgin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Moose Lake.