2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Muskegon, MI vs Brainerd, MN

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Brainerd or is it cheaper to live in Muskegon?
- Brainerd is 3.3% more expensive than Muskegon.

Which city has more affordable housing, Brainerd or Muskegon?
- Brainerd housing costs are 64.4% more expensive than Muskegon housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Muskegon or is Health Care more affordable in Brainerd.
- Health related expenses are 7.8% less in Brainerd.
 Muskegon, MIBrainerd, MNUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.9100
 Food & Groceries92.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock76.8100
 Housing45.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$266,900$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock69.0100
 Miscellaneous88.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Muskegon    6 Reviews

If you like 4 seasons, don't mind snow and cold, love beaches and lake life, like to live near an area that promotes festivals, this may just be for  More

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Over 16 years ago

I grew up in Muskegon and it was a great place to live. However, brain drain is a huge problem and the majority of my friends who went to college never came  More

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The beaches and scenery around Muskegon are beautiful (even during the 9 months a year they're covered in snow), so it's a shame the city has become what it is. Jobs  More

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Reviews for Brainerd    5 Reviews

Research, research, research! Personal reviews don't give you the "whole" story! Whether the opinions are "glowing" or scathing do not base your opinion on them! Some  More

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No comment since you  More

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Over 14 years ago

Small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No work. Located in Crow Wing County and has highest unemployment rate in the state. Poor healthcare. Essentia  More

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