Dayton, MN vs Milaca, MN

The cost of living difference between Dayton, MN and Milaca, MN is dramatic. Milaca is 53.9% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dayton has a cost index of 119 while Milaca sits at 78, 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 $854/month in Milaca — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Milaca is more affordable at $184,900 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $137,383 compared to $49,063 in Milaca (+180%). 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 20.9% in Milaca.