Barnum, MN vs Wheaton, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wheaton is 18.3% cheaper than Barnum. With a cost index of 58 vs 69, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wheaton to Barnum should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Barnum is $902/month compared to $582/month in Wheaton — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wheaton is more affordable at $82,200 median vs $131,300.

Median household income in Barnum is $49,583 compared to $52,260 in Wheaton (-5.1%). Wheaton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Barnum spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 13.4% in Wheaton.