Dawson, MN vs Ottertail, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dawson is 28.5% cheaper than Ottertail. With a cost index of 62 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dawson to Ottertail should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dawson is $618/month compared to $1,047/month in Ottertail — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dawson is more affordable at $118,800 median vs $262,500.

Median household income in Dawson is $70,286 compared to $83,750 in Ottertail (-16.1%). The higher salaries in Ottertail partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Dawson spend roughly 10.6% of their income on rent, less than the 15% in Ottertail.