Granite Falls, MN vs Medina, MN

The cost of living difference between Granite Falls, MN and Medina, MN is dramatic. Granite Falls is 47.8% cheaper than Medina, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Granite Falls has a cost index of 70 while Medina sits at 134, 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 Granite Falls is $818/month compared to $1,421/month in Medina — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Granite Falls is more affordable at $139,700 median vs $660,800.

Median household income in Granite Falls is $59,402 compared to $219,181 in Medina (-72.9%). While Medina is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Granite Falls spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, more than the 7.8% in Medina.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.4°F vs 45.8°F). Medina receives more rainfall at 30.7" per year compared to 28" in Granite Falls.