Blaine, MN vs Duluth, MN

The cost of living difference between Blaine, MN and Duluth, MN is dramatic. Duluth is 43.1% cheaper than Blaine, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Blaine has a cost index of 115 while Duluth sits at 80, 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 Blaine is $1,707/month compared to $1,037/month in Duluth — a 65% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Duluth is more affordable at $225,700 median vs $327,500.

Median household income in Blaine is $103,382 compared to $66,263 in Duluth (+56%). While Blaine is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Blaine spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Duluth.