Dayton, MN vs Hastings, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hastings is 23.7% cheaper than Dayton. With a cost index of 97 vs 119, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hastings to Dayton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dayton is $1,353/month compared to $1,184/month in Hastings — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hastings is more affordable at $294,100 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $137,383 compared to $92,940 in Hastings (+47.8%). 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 15.3% in Hastings.