Dayton, MN vs Ely, MN

The cost of living difference between Dayton, MN and Ely, MN is dramatic. Ely is 92.9% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dayton has a cost index of 119 while Ely sits at 62, 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 $627/month in Ely — a 116% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ely is more affordable at $150,800 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $137,383 compared to $46,042 in Ely (+198.4%). 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 16.3% in Ely.