Ely, MN vs Scanlon, MN

The cost of living difference between Ely, MN and Scanlon, MN is dramatic. Ely is 35.3% cheaper than Scanlon, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ely has a cost index of 62 while Scanlon sits at 96, 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 $1,550/month in Scanlon — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ely is more affordable at $150,800 median vs $221,500.

Median household income in Ely is $46,042 compared to $75,833 in Scanlon (-39.3%). While Scanlon 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 24.5% in Scanlon.