Medford, MN vs Plainview, MN

Plainview is moderately more affordable than Medford, with a 12.4% lower cost of living index. Medford scores 84 compared to 75 for Plainview, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Medford can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Medford is $1,036/month compared to $774/month in Plainview — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Plainview is more affordable at $230,600 median vs $234,300.

Median household income in Medford is $98,375 compared to $69,800 in Plainview (+40.9%). While Medford is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Medford spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, less than the 13.3% in Plainview.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.8°F vs 44.8°F). Plainview receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 34.7" in Medford.