Dayton, MN vs Proctor, MN

The cost of living difference between Dayton, MN and Proctor, MN is dramatic. Proctor is 49.2% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dayton has a cost index of 119 while Proctor sits at 80, 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 $1,040/month in Proctor — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Proctor is more affordable at $219,500 median vs $510,600.

Median household income in Dayton is $137,383 compared to $80,913 in Proctor (+69.8%). 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 15.4% in Proctor.