New Brighton, MN vs Waite Park, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waite Park is 28.9% cheaper than New Brighton. With a cost index of 82 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waite Park to New Brighton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in New Brighton is $1,327/month compared to $1,072/month in Waite Park — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waite Park is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $345,900.

Median household income in New Brighton is $87,272 compared to $56,884 in Waite Park (+53.4%). While New Brighton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of New Brighton spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 22.6% in Waite Park.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.8°F vs 42.9°F). New Brighton receives more rainfall at 30.7" per year compared to 28.5" in Waite Park.