Hastings, MN vs Moorhead, MN
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Moorhead is 17.4% cheaper than Hastings. With a cost index of 82 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Moorhead to Hastings should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Hastings is $1,184/month compared to $1,017/month in Moorhead — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Moorhead is more affordable at $246,300 median vs $294,100.
Median household income in Hastings is $92,940 compared to $69,371 in Moorhead (+34%). While Hastings is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hastings spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Moorhead.
Climate-wise, Hastings is notably warmer with an average of 46.5°F compared to 42.2°F in Moorhead. Hastings receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 24" in Moorhead.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)