Medford, MN vs Sleepy Eye, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sleepy Eye is 24% cheaper than Medford. With a cost index of 68 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sleepy Eye to Medford should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Medford is $1,036/month compared to $757/month in Sleepy Eye — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sleepy Eye is more affordable at $138,500 median vs $234,300.

Median household income in Medford is $98,375 compared to $64,811 in Sleepy Eye (+51.8%). 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 14% in Sleepy Eye.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.8°F vs 45.4°F). Medford receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 28" in Sleepy Eye.