Babbitt, MN vs Ottertail, MN

The cost of living difference between Babbitt, MN and Ottertail, MN is dramatic. Babbitt is 30.5% cheaper than Ottertail, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Babbitt has a cost index of 60 while Ottertail sits at 87, 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 Babbitt is $726/month compared to $1,047/month in Ottertail — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Babbitt is more affordable at $96,000 median vs $262,500.

Median household income in Babbitt is $54,318 compared to $83,750 in Ottertail (-35.1%). While Ottertail is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Babbitt spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Ottertail.