Mapleton, MN vs Minnesota Lake, MN

Mapleton, MN and Minnesota Lake, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Mapleton scores 69 while Minnesota Lake scores 70 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mapleton is $772/month compared to $950/month in Minnesota Lake — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Mapleton has cheaper rent, Minnesota Lake actually has lower median home values ($126,600 vs $176,400).

Median household income in Mapleton is $82,031 compared to $62,875 in Minnesota Lake (+30.5%). Mapleton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Mapleton spend roughly 11.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.1% in Minnesota Lake.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.6°F vs 45.6°F). Minnesota Lake receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 29.3" in Mapleton.