Duluth, MN vs Lakeville, MN

The cost of living difference between Duluth, MN and Lakeville, MN is dramatic. Duluth is 35% cheaper than Lakeville, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Duluth has a cost index of 80 while Lakeville sits at 124, 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 Duluth is $1,037/month compared to $1,727/month in Lakeville — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Duluth is more affordable at $225,700 median vs $425,200.

Median household income in Duluth is $66,263 compared to $138,119 in Lakeville (-52%). While Lakeville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Duluth spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Lakeville.