Hills, MN vs Paynesville, MN

Paynesville is moderately more affordable than Hills, with a 9.8% lower cost of living index. Hills scores 76 compared to 69 for Paynesville, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hills can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hills is $962/month compared to $791/month in Paynesville — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Paynesville is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $184,800.

Median household income in Hills is $67,393 compared to $72,105 in Paynesville (-6.5%). Paynesville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hills spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, more than the 13.2% in Paynesville.

Climate-wise, Hills is notably warmer with an average of 47.4°F compared to 42.9°F in Paynesville. Paynesville receives more rainfall at 28.5" per year compared to 27.8" in Hills.