Moorhead, MN vs Red Wing, MN

Moorhead, MN and Red Wing, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Moorhead scores 82 while Red Wing scores 84 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 Moorhead is $1,017/month compared to $954/month in Red Wing — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Red Wing is more affordable at $224,800 median vs $246,300.

Median household income in Moorhead is $69,371 compared to $65,259 in Red Wing (+6.3%). Moorhead offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Moorhead spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.5% in Red Wing.

Climate-wise, Red Wing is notably warmer with an average of 46.5°F compared to 42.2°F in Moorhead. Red Wing receives more rainfall at 29.2" per year compared to 24" in Moorhead.