Cost of Living in Albert Lea, MN
Population 18,379 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Albert Lea sits on the smaller end of the Minnesota city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Albert Lea is about 50 miles west of Rochester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Albert Lea
The median home value in Albert Lea is $150,400 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $845/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,522/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. Overall, Albert Lea has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Albert Lea, MN?
Albert Lea has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Albert Lea, MN?
The median gross rent in Albert Lea is $845 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Albert Lea?
The median home value in Albert Lea is $150,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Albert Lea?
The median household income in Albert Lea is $62,522 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Albert Lea, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Albert Lea is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Albert Lea, MN affordable?
Yes, Albert Lea is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
Albert Lea at a Glance
- Population
- 18,379
- Median Income
- $62,522
- Home Value
- $150,400
- Median Rent
- $845/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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