Austin, MN vs Detroit Lakes, MN

Austin is moderately more affordable than Detroit Lakes, with a 11.5% lower cost of living index. Austin scores 72 compared to 82 for Detroit Lakes, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Detroit Lakes can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Austin is $860/month compared to $925/month in Detroit Lakes — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Austin is more affordable at $155,100 median vs $246,200.

Median household income in Austin is $66,488 compared to $62,123 in Detroit Lakes (+7%). Austin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Austin spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 17.9% in Detroit Lakes.