Dawson, MN vs Scandia, MN

The cost of living difference between Dawson, MN and Scandia, MN is dramatic. Dawson is 40.8% cheaper than Scandia, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dawson has a cost index of 62 while Scandia sits at 105, 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 $978/month in Scandia — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dawson is more affordable at $118,800 median vs $471,900.

Median household income in Dawson is $70,286 compared to $100,179 in Scandia (-29.8%). The higher salaries in Scandia 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 11.7% in Scandia.