Darwin, MN vs Lake St. Croix Beach, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Darwin is 26.1% cheaper than Lake St. Croix Beach. With a cost index of 69 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Darwin to Lake St. Croix Beach should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Darwin is $775/month compared to $963/month in Lake St. Croix Beach — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Darwin is more affordable at $142,500 median vs $334,600.

Median household income in Darwin is $61,250 compared to $100,134 in Lake St. Croix Beach (-38.8%). While Lake St. Croix Beach is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Darwin spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Lake St. Croix Beach.