Elgin, MN vs Pine City, MN

Pine City is moderately more affordable than Elgin, with a 5.5% lower cost of living index. Elgin scores 73 compared to 69 for Pine City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Elgin can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $738/month compared to $676/month in Pine City — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pine City is more affordable at $181,800 median vs $218,200.

Median household income in Elgin is $87,000 compared to $51,654 in Pine City (+68.4%). 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, less than the 15.7% in Pine City.