Albany, MN vs Dayton, MN

The cost of living difference between Albany, MN and Dayton, MN is dramatic. Albany is 43.6% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Albany has a cost index of 67 while Dayton sits at 119, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Albany is $579/month compared to $1,353/month in Dayton — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albany is more affordable at $226,000 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Albany is $75,417 compared to $137,383 in Dayton (-45.1%). While Dayton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Albany spend roughly 9.2% of their income on rent, less than the 11.8% in Dayton.