Max, ND vs Ray, ND
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Max is 20.9% cheaper than Ray. With a cost index of 62 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Max to Ray should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Max is $625/month compared to $971/month in Ray — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Max is more affordable at $140,600 median vs $211,500.
Median household income in Max is $73,750 compared to $69,792 in Ray (+5.7%). Max offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Max spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Ray.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (40.9°F vs 41.7°F). Max receives more rainfall at 17.8" per year compared to 15.1" in Ray.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)