Dawson, MN vs Rice Lake, MN

The cost of living difference between Dawson, MN and Rice Lake, MN is dramatic. Dawson is 34% cheaper than Rice Lake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dawson has a cost index of 62 while Rice Lake sits at 94, 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 Dawson is $618/month compared to $1,328/month in Rice Lake — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dawson is more affordable at $118,800 median vs $283,700.

Median household income in Dawson is $70,286 compared to $95,347 in Rice Lake (-26.3%). The higher salaries in Rice Lake 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 16.7% in Rice Lake.