Benson, MN vs Wanamingo, MN

Benson, MN and Wanamingo, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Benson scores 74 while Wanamingo scores 72 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 Benson is $939/month compared to $611/month in Wanamingo — a 54% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Wanamingo has cheaper rent, Benson actually has lower median home values ($146,100 vs $247,400).

Median household income in Benson is $51,124 compared to $85,000 in Wanamingo (-39.9%). Wanamingo offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Benson spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 8.6% in Wanamingo.