Taconite, MN vs Waltham, MN

The cost of living difference between Taconite, MN and Waltham, MN is dramatic. Waltham is 75% cheaper than Taconite, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Taconite has a cost index of 132 while Waltham sits at 75, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Taconite is $2,646/month compared to $1,069/month in Waltham — a 148% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waltham is more affordable at $112,500 median vs $217,900.

Median household income in Taconite is $100,089 compared to $75,833 in Waltham (+32%). Taconite does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Taconite spend roughly 31.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in Waltham. The Waltham ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Waltham is notably warmer with an average of 44.8°F compared to 36.9°F in Taconite. Waltham receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 24.8" in Taconite.