Hawley, MN vs Walnut Grove, MN

The cost of living difference between Hawley, MN and Walnut Grove, MN is dramatic. Walnut Grove is 30.8% cheaper than Hawley, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hawley has a cost index of 75 while Walnut Grove 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 Hawley is $742/month compared to $575/month in Walnut Grove — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Walnut Grove is more affordable at $81,000 median vs $265,500.

Median household income in Hawley is $92,017 compared to $59,583 in Walnut Grove (+54.4%). While Hawley 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 11.6% in Walnut Grove.

Climate-wise, Walnut Grove is notably warmer with an average of 45.4°F compared to 42.2°F in Hawley. Walnut Grove receives more rainfall at 28" per year compared to 24" in Hawley.