Austin, MN vs Hermantown, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Austin is 29.6% cheaper than Hermantown. With a cost index of 72 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Austin to Hermantown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Austin is $860/month compared to $1,375/month in Hermantown — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Austin is more affordable at $155,100 median vs $374,000.

Median household income in Austin is $66,488 compared to $92,026 in Hermantown (-27.8%). The higher salaries in Hermantown partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Austin spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 17.9% in Hermantown.