Ellsworth, MN vs Tonka Bay, MN

The cost of living difference between Ellsworth, MN and Tonka Bay, MN is dramatic. Ellsworth is 67.5% cheaper than Tonka Bay, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ellsworth has a cost index of 58 while Tonka Bay sits at 178, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $631/month compared to $2,299/month in Tonka Bay — a 73% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ellsworth is more affordable at $85,700 median vs $869,900.

Median household income in Ellsworth is $58,438 compared to $151,563 in Tonka Bay (-61.4%). The higher salaries in Tonka Bay partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellsworth spend roughly 13% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in Tonka Bay.