Minnetonka, MN vs New Brighton, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. New Brighton is 21% cheaper than Minnetonka. With a cost index of 105 vs 127, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from New Brighton to Minnetonka should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Minnetonka is $1,758/month compared to $1,327/month in New Brighton — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Brighton is more affordable at $345,900 median vs $456,200.

Median household income in Minnetonka is $120,496 compared to $87,272 in New Brighton (+38.1%). While Minnetonka is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Minnetonka spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, less than the 18.2% in New Brighton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.7°F vs 45.8°F). New Brighton receives more rainfall at 30.7" per year compared to 30.6" in Minnetonka.