Delano, MN vs Paynesville, MN

The cost of living difference between Delano, MN and Paynesville, MN is dramatic. Paynesville is 34% cheaper than Delano, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Delano has a cost index of 93 while Paynesville sits at 69, 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 Delano is $909/month compared to $791/month in Paynesville — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Paynesville is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $347,500.

Median household income in Delano is $118,091 compared to $72,105 in Paynesville (+63.8%). While Delano is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Delano spend roughly 9.2% of their income on rent, less than the 13.2% in Paynesville.