Melrose, MN vs Mound, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose is 19.5% cheaper than Mound. With a cost index of 80 vs 99, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose to Mound should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $1,061/month compared to $1,119/month in Mound — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $198,300 median vs $348,600.

Median household income in Melrose is $58,107 compared to $91,370 in Mound (-36.4%). While Mound is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Melrose spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Mound.

Climate-wise, Mound is notably warmer with an average of 46.7°F compared to 42.5°F in Melrose. Mound receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 24.1" in Melrose.