Hastings, MN vs Waite Park, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waite Park is 18.4% 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 Waite Park 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 $1,072/month in Waite Park — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waite Park is more affordable at $217,000 median vs $294,100.

Median household income in Hastings is $92,940 compared to $56,884 in Waite Park (+63.4%). 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 22.6% in Waite Park.

Climate-wise, Hastings is notably warmer with an average of 46.5°F compared to 42.9°F in Waite Park. Hastings receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 28.5" in Waite Park.