Melrose, MN vs Winthrop, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Winthrop is 16% cheaper than Melrose. With a cost index of 69 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Winthrop to Melrose should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $1,061/month compared to $732/month in Winthrop — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Winthrop is more affordable at $157,400 median vs $198,300.

Median household income in Melrose is $58,107 compared to $67,375 in Winthrop (-13.8%). Winthrop 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 13% in Winthrop.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (42.5°F vs 45.4°F). Winthrop receives more rainfall at 28" per year compared to 24.1" in Melrose.