Hayfield, MN vs Rice Lake, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hayfield is 20.2% cheaper than Rice Lake. With a cost index of 75 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hayfield to Rice Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hayfield is $933/month compared to $1,328/month in Rice Lake — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hayfield is more affordable at $173,000 median vs $283,700.

Median household income in Hayfield is $69,688 compared to $95,347 in Rice Lake (-26.9%). While Rice Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hayfield spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Rice Lake.

Climate-wise, Hayfield is notably warmer with an average of 44.8°F compared to 40.6°F in Rice Lake. Hayfield receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 31.2" in Rice Lake.