Melrose, MN vs Spring Grove, MN

Melrose, MN and Spring Grove, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Melrose scores 80 while Spring Grove scores 76 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $1,061/month compared to $1,074/month in Spring Grove — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Melrose has cheaper rent, Spring Grove actually has lower median home values ($148,200 vs $198,300).

Median household income in Melrose is $58,107 compared to $60,221 in Spring Grove (-3.5%). Spring Grove offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Melrose spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in Spring Grove.

Climate-wise, Spring Grove is notably warmer with an average of 48.8°F compared to 42.5°F in Melrose. Spring Grove receives more rainfall at 35.2" per year compared to 24.1" in Melrose.