Drayton, ND vs Oakes, ND

Drayton is moderately more affordable than Oakes, with a 14.7% lower cost of living index. Drayton scores 57 compared to 67 for Oakes, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Oakes can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Drayton is $570/month compared to $740/month in Oakes — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Drayton is more affordable at $103,800 median vs $160,100.

Median household income in Drayton is $70,347 compared to $64,750 in Oakes (+8.6%). Drayton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Drayton spend roughly 9.7% of their income on rent, less than the 13.7% in Oakes.

Climate-wise, Oakes is notably warmer with an average of 44°F compared to 38.4°F in Drayton. Drayton receives more rainfall at 22.1" per year compared to 21.8" in Oakes.