Karlstad, MN vs Waterville, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Karlstad is 20.6% cheaper than Waterville. With a cost index of 63 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Karlstad to Waterville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Karlstad is $650/month compared to $835/month in Waterville — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Karlstad is more affordable at $120,300 median vs $216,700.

Median household income in Karlstad is $61,324 compared to $67,721 in Waterville (-9.4%). Waterville does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Karlstad spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Waterville.

Climate-wise, Waterville is notably warmer with an average of 46.7°F compared to 37.7°F in Karlstad. Waterville receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 24.3" in Karlstad.