Dayton, MN vs Faribault, MN

The cost of living difference between Dayton, MN and Faribault, MN is dramatic. Faribault is 41.5% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dayton has a cost index of 119 while Faribault sits at 84, 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 $1,041/month in Faribault — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Faribault is more affordable at $233,900 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $137,383 compared to $61,662 in Faribault (+122.8%). 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 20.3% in Faribault.