Ranier, MN vs Red Lake, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Red Lake is 18.6% cheaper than Ranier. With a cost index of 58 vs 68, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Red Lake to Ranier should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ranier is $870/month compared to $426/month in Red Lake — a 104% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Red Lake is more affordable at $136,000 median vs $140,400.

Median household income in Ranier is $81,389 compared to $55,092 in Red Lake (+47.7%). While Ranier is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ranier spend roughly 12.8% of their income on rent, more than the 9.3% in Red Lake.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (37.4°F vs 37.7°F). Ranier receives more rainfall at 25.4" per year compared to 24.3" in Red Lake.