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Foreston, MN vs Peterson, MN

92
Foreston
Minnesota
VS
+58.8%
58
Peterson
Minnesota

The cost of living difference between Foreston, MN and Peterson, MN is dramatic. Peterson is 58.8% cheaper than Foreston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Foreston has a cost index of 92 while Peterson sits at 58, 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 Foreston is $1,167/month compared to $538/month in Peterson — a 117% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peterson is more affordable at $112,500 median vs $247,900.

Median household income in Foreston is $94,219 compared to $66,250 in Peterson (+42.2%). The higher salaries in Foreston partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Foreston spend roughly 14.9% of their income on rent, more than the 9.7% in Peterson.

Climate-wise, Peterson is notably warmer with an average of 48.8°F compared to 42.9°F in Foreston. Peterson receives more rainfall at 35.2" per year compared to 28.5" in Foreston.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Foreston
92
Peterson
58
37% cheaper
Median Household Income
Foreston
$94,219
30% higher
Peterson
$66,250

Housing

Median Rent
Foreston
$1,167
Peterson
$538
54% cheaper
Median Home Value
Foreston
$247,900
Peterson
$112,500
55% cheaper
Population
Foreston
735
Peterson
256

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Foreston $3.20
Peterson $2.97
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Foreston $2.61
Peterson $2.43
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Foreston $4.21
Peterson $3.91
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Foreston $1.93
Peterson $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Foreston $4.33
Peterson $4.02
US $4.14
Electricity
Foreston $0.17
Peterson $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Foreston 42.9°F
Peterson 48.8°F
Summer High
Foreston 82°F
Peterson 85°F
Winter Low
Foreston 3°F
Peterson 11°F
Rainfall
Foreston 28.5"
Peterson 35.2"
Rainy Days
Foreston 111d
Peterson 123d