Ely, MN vs Oak Grove, MN

The cost of living difference between Ely, MN and Oak Grove, MN is dramatic. Ely is 52.8% cheaper than Oak Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ely has a cost index of 62 while Oak Grove sits at 131, 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 Ely is $627/month compared to $2,052/month in Oak Grove — a 69% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ely is more affordable at $150,800 median vs $394,100.

Median household income in Ely is $46,042 compared to $114,679 in Oak Grove (-59.9%). While Oak Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ely spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Oak Grove.