Detroit Lakes, MN vs Oakdale, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Detroit Lakes is 22.5% cheaper than Oakdale. With a cost index of 82 vs 106, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Detroit Lakes to Oakdale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Detroit Lakes is $925/month compared to $1,452/month in Oakdale — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Detroit Lakes is more affordable at $246,200 median vs $305,900.

Median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123 compared to $90,379 in Oakdale (-31.3%). While Oakdale is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Detroit Lakes spend roughly 17.9% of their income on rent, less than the 19.3% in Oakdale.