Dayton, MN vs Dodge Center, MN

The cost of living difference between Dayton, MN and Dodge Center, MN is dramatic. Dodge Center is 57.3% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dayton has a cost index of 119 while Dodge Center sits at 76, 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 Dayton is $1,353/month compared to $955/month in Dodge Center — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dodge Center is more affordable at $175,900 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $137,383 compared to $77,552 in Dodge Center (+77.1%). While Dayton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dayton spend roughly 11.8% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Dodge Center.