Gaylord, MN vs Lake Benton, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lake Benton is 15% cheaper than Gaylord. With a cost index of 58 vs 66, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lake Benton to Gaylord should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gaylord is $739/month compared to $550/month in Lake Benton — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lake Benton is more affordable at $91,900 median vs $163,300.

Median household income in Gaylord is $60,500 compared to $52,000 in Lake Benton (+16.3%). While Gaylord is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gaylord spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, more than the 12.7% in Lake Benton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.7°F vs 45.1°F). Gaylord receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 29.6" in Lake Benton.