Karlstad, MN vs Mapleton, MN

Karlstad is moderately more affordable than Mapleton, with a 7.8% lower cost of living index. Karlstad scores 63 compared to 69 for Mapleton, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mapleton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Karlstad is $650/month compared to $772/month in Mapleton — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Karlstad is more affordable at $120,300 median vs $176,400.

Median household income in Karlstad is $61,324 compared to $82,031 in Mapleton (-25.2%). While Mapleton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Karlstad spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in Mapleton.

Climate-wise, Mapleton is notably warmer with an average of 44.6°F compared to 37.7°F in Karlstad. Mapleton receives more rainfall at 29.3" per year compared to 24.3" in Karlstad.