Hawley, MN vs North Oaks, MN

The cost of living difference between Hawley, MN and North Oaks, MN is dramatic. Hawley is 59.7% cheaper than North Oaks, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hawley has a cost index of 75 while North Oaks sits at 187, 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 Hawley is $742/month compared to $2,932/month in North Oaks — a 75% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hawley is more affordable at $265,500 median vs $756,300.

Median household income in Hawley is $92,017 compared to $235,858 in North Oaks (-61%). While North Oaks is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hawley spend roughly 9.7% of their income on rent, less than the 14.9% in North Oaks.

Climate-wise, North Oaks is notably warmer with an average of 46.5°F compared to 42.2°F in Hawley. North Oaks receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 24" in Hawley.