Detroit Lakes, MN vs Long Prairie, MN

Long Prairie is moderately more affordable than Detroit Lakes, with a 12.4% lower cost of living index. Detroit Lakes scores 82 compared to 73 for Long Prairie, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Detroit Lakes can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Detroit Lakes is $925/month compared to $942/month in Long Prairie — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Detroit Lakes has cheaper rent, Long Prairie actually has lower median home values ($130,100 vs $246,200).

Median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123 compared to $57,139 in Long Prairie (+8.7%). The higher salaries in Detroit Lakes partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Detroit Lakes spend roughly 17.9% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Long Prairie.