Darwin, MN vs Shafer, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Darwin is 18% cheaper than Shafer. With a cost index of 69 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Darwin to Shafer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Darwin is $775/month compared to $954/month in Shafer — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Darwin is more affordable at $142,500 median vs $225,700.

Median household income in Darwin is $61,250 compared to $96,042 in Shafer (-36.2%). While Shafer 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 11.9% in Shafer.