Detroit Lakes, MN vs St. Augusta, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Detroit Lakes is 17.7% cheaper than St. Augusta. With a cost index of 82 vs 99, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Detroit Lakes to St. Augusta should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Detroit Lakes is $925/month compared to $1,373/month in St. Augusta — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Detroit Lakes is more affordable at $246,200 median vs $323,400.

Median household income in Detroit Lakes is $62,123 compared to $116,384 in St. Augusta (-46.6%). While St. Augusta 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, more than the 14.2% in St. Augusta.