Lake Benton, MN vs Pemberton, MN

The cost of living difference between Lake Benton, MN and Pemberton, MN is dramatic. Lake Benton is 39.6% cheaper than Pemberton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lake Benton has a cost index of 58 while Pemberton sits at 96, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Lake Benton is $550/month compared to $1,725/month in Pemberton — a 68% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lake Benton is more affordable at $91,900 median vs $155,000.

Median household income in Lake Benton is $52,000 compared to $54,750 in Pemberton (-5%). Pemberton 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 Lake Benton spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 37.8% in Pemberton. The Lake Benton ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.1°F vs 46.7°F). Pemberton receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 29.6" in Lake Benton.