Centerville, MN vs Detroit Lakes, MN

The cost of living difference between Centerville, MN and Detroit Lakes, MN is dramatic. Detroit Lakes is 35% cheaper than Centerville, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Centerville has a cost index of 110 while Detroit Lakes sits at 82, 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 Centerville is $1,453/month compared to $925/month in Detroit Lakes — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Detroit Lakes is more affordable at $246,200 median vs $364,700.

Median household income in Centerville is $119,361 compared to $62,123 in Detroit Lakes (+92.1%). While Centerville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Centerville spend roughly 14.6% of their income on rent, less than the 17.9% in Detroit Lakes.