Balaton, MN vs Pierz, MN

Balaton, MN and Pierz, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.5% difference in their overall index. Balaton scores 73 while Pierz scores 70 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Balaton is $1,081/month compared to $786/month in Pierz — a 38% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Pierz has cheaper rent, Balaton actually has lower median home values ($85,000 vs $155,700).

Median household income in Balaton is $54,091 compared to $55,438 in Pierz (-2.4%). Pierz offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Balaton spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Pierz.