Cost of Living in Benson, MN
Population 3,449 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Benson is a smaller Minnesota community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $51,124 and housing costs ($146,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 115 miles west of Minneapolis, Benson is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Benson
The median home value in Benson is $146,100 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $939/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,124/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, Benson has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Benson has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 Benson, MN?
Benson has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Benson, MN?
The median gross rent in Benson is $939 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Benson?
The median home value in Benson is $146,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Benson?
The median household income in Benson is $51,124 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Benson, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benson is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Benson, MN affordable?
Yes, Benson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
Benson at a Glance
- Population
- 3,449
- Median Income
- $51,124
- Home Value
- $146,100
- Median Rent
- $939/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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