Ellendale, MN vs Howard Lake, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ellendale is 16.1% cheaper than Howard Lake. With a cost index of 71 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ellendale to Howard Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellendale is $820/month compared to $930/month in Howard Lake — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellendale is more affordable at $150,000 median vs $239,100.

Median household income in Ellendale is $80,417 compared to $99,464 in Howard Lake (-19.1%). While Howard Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellendale spend roughly 12.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.2% in Howard Lake.