Hector, MN vs Moose Lake, MN

Hector, MN and Moose Lake, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Hector scores 77 while Moose Lake scores 75 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hector is $1,108/month compared to $901/month in Moose Lake — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Moose Lake has cheaper rent, Hector actually has lower median home values ($124,100 vs $205,000).

Median household income in Hector is $59,762 compared to $61,576 in Moose Lake (-2.9%). Moose Lake offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hector spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Moose Lake.

Climate-wise, Hector is notably warmer with an average of 45.4°F compared to 41.4°F in Moose Lake. Moose Lake receives more rainfall at 33.3" per year compared to 28" in Hector.