Blue Earth, MN vs Dayton, MN

The cost of living difference between Blue Earth, MN and Dayton, MN is dramatic. Blue Earth is 40% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Blue Earth has a cost index of 72 while Dayton sits at 119, 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 Blue Earth is $916/month compared to $1,353/month in Dayton — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Blue Earth is more affordable at $125,200 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Blue Earth is $59,118 compared to $137,383 in Dayton (-57%). While Dayton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Blue Earth spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.8% in Dayton.