Cost of Living in Minnesota
Minnesota has 43 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Austin (cost index 98.8) to Roseville (109.9), with a statewide average around 103.3 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Winona at $839/mo and highest in Maple Grove at $1,863/mo.
Minnesota at a Glance
Cities Tracked
43
with census data
Avg Cost Index
103.3
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,453
per month
Avg Household Income
$99,748
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | 98.8 | $860 |
| Minneapolis | 102.6 | $1,329 |
| St. Paul | 102.6 | $1,248 |
| Bloomington | 102.6 | $1,526 |
| Roseville | 109.9 | $1,346 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Roseville | 109.9 | $1,346 |
| Minneapolis | 102.6 | $1,329 |
| St. Paul | 102.6 | $1,248 |
| Bloomington | 102.6 | $1,526 |
| Austin | 98.8 | $860 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Minnesota
State Income Tax
9.85%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.88%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Minnesota
Minnesota Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Minneapolis | 426,845 | 102.6 | $1,329 | $345,600 | $80,269 |
| St. Paul | 307,762 | 102.6 | $1,248 | $280,300 | $73,055 |
| Rochester | 121,638 | — | $1,316 | $287,500 | $87,767 |
| Bloomington | 88,838 | 102.6 | $1,526 | $346,200 | $90,677 |
| Duluth | 86,863 | — | $1,037 | $225,700 | $66,263 |
| Brooklyn Park | 84,349 | — | $1,331 | $313,500 | $85,964 |
| Plymouth | 79,526 | — | $1,705 | $474,700 | $133,865 |
| Woodbury | 76,945 | — | $1,827 | $434,900 | $126,222 |
| Lakeville | 72,480 | — | $1,727 | $425,200 | $138,119 |
| Blaine | 71,261 | — | $1,707 | $327,500 | $103,382 |
| Maple Grove | 70,539 | — | $1,863 | $397,400 | $129,481 |
| St. Cloud | 69,926 | — | $1,005 | $212,800 | $61,112 |
| Eagan | 68,158 | — | $1,604 | $380,800 | $107,486 |
| Burnsville | 64,295 | — | $1,501 | $335,100 | $83,953 |
| Coon Rapids | 63,348 | — | $1,418 | $287,200 | $86,618 |
| Eden Prairie | 63,249 | — | $1,761 | $463,300 | $127,732 |
| Apple Valley | 55,696 | — | $1,678 | $354,200 | $99,277 |
| Minnetonka | 53,256 | — | $1,758 | $456,200 | $120,496 |
| Edina | 53,125 | — | $1,757 | $624,000 | $129,225 |
| St. Louis Park | 49,541 | — | $1,589 | $371,600 | $100,250 |
| Shakopee | 45,002 | — | $1,495 | $361,400 | $110,989 |
| Mankato | 44,882 | — | $1,089 | $250,600 | $64,826 |
| Moorhead | 44,706 | — | $1,017 | $246,300 | $69,371 |
| Maplewood | 40,981 | — | $1,316 | $291,300 | $88,534 |
| Cottage Grove | 40,124 | — | $1,644 | $359,600 | $121,452 |
| Richfield | 36,725 | — | $1,334 | $320,400 | $84,055 |
| Roseville | 35,905 | 109.9 | $1,346 | $334,800 | $88,440 |
| Inver Grove Heights | 35,772 | — | $1,447 | $352,300 | $104,055 |
| Andover | 32,825 | — | $1,827 | $389,200 | $131,528 |
| Brooklyn Center | 32,811 | — | $1,345 | $261,100 | $72,009 |
| Savage | 32,706 | — | $1,608 | $395,600 | $122,646 |
| Fridley | 29,944 | — | $1,270 | $277,100 | $79,274 |
| Chaska | 28,146 | — | $1,436 | $379,400 | $110,000 |
| Oakdale | 28,109 | — | $1,452 | $305,900 | $90,379 |
| Ramsey | 28,070 | — | $1,780 | $345,000 | $112,060 |
| Prior Lake | 27,832 | — | $1,548 | $429,900 | $130,278 |
| Shoreview | 26,724 | — | $1,502 | $365,100 | $109,399 |
| Rosemount | 26,509 | — | $1,614 | $406,100 | $127,247 |
| Owatonna | 26,462 | — | $1,010 | $234,600 | $81,276 |
| Elk River | 26,367 | — | $1,269 | $338,300 | $99,457 |
| Austin | 26,167 | 98.8 | $860 | $155,100 | $66,488 |
| Chanhassen | 26,001 | — | $1,749 | $530,700 | $138,034 |
| Winona | 25,998 | — | $839 | $193,500 | $56,163 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Minnesota cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Minnesota cities stack up across the US. For example, Minneapolis vs St. Paul.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Minnesota
What is the cost of living in Minnesota?
The average cost of living index across cities in Minnesota is approximately 103.3 (US average = 100), which is slightly above the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,453/month and median household income averages around $99,748/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Minnesota?
The most affordable cities in Minnesota by cost of living index are: 1. Austin (index 98.8), 2. Minneapolis (index 102.6), 3. St. Paul (index 102.6).
What is the median rent in Minnesota?
The average median gross rent across cities in Minnesota is approximately $1,453/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Minnesota?
Minnesota's top marginal state income tax rate is 9.85%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Minnesota?
Minnesota's statewide sales tax rate is 6.88%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Minnesota?
Minnesota has a cost of living index of approximately 103.3 and average median rent around $1,453/month. It is somewhat above the US average in cost, so factor that into your relocation budget. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology