Hermantown, MN vs Melrose, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose is 29.1% cheaper than Hermantown. With a cost index of 80 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose to Hermantown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hermantown is $1,375/month compared to $1,061/month in Melrose — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $198,300 median vs $374,000.

Median household income in Hermantown is $92,026 compared to $58,107 in Melrose (+58.4%). While Hermantown is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hermantown spend roughly 17.9% of their income on rent, less than the 21.9% in Melrose.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (40.6°F vs 42.5°F). Hermantown receives more rainfall at 31.2" per year compared to 24.1" in Melrose.