Caledonia, MN vs Dayton, MN

The cost of living difference between Caledonia, MN and Dayton, MN is dramatic. Caledonia is 42.8% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Caledonia has a cost index of 68 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 Caledonia is $804/month compared to $1,353/month in Dayton — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Caledonia is more affordable at $148,500 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Caledonia is $69,792 compared to $137,383 in Dayton (-49.2%). 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 Caledonia spend roughly 13.8% of their income on rent, more than the 11.8% in Dayton.