Cost of Living in Brainerd, MN
Population 14,474 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brainerd 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. At 8.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Brainerd lies roughly 105 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Minneapolis. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brainerd
The median home value in Brainerd is $178,600 — 41% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $848/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,705/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. The climate averages highs of 53.3°F and lows of 31.0°F. Overall, Brainerd has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 21 | 27 | 40 | 55 | 68 | 77 | 82 | 79 | 71 | 56 | 40 | 26 |
| Low °F | -0 | 4 | 18 | 31 | 43 | 53 | 58 | 55 | 47 | 35 | 22 | 8 |
| Precip" | 0.47 | 0.36 | 0.97 | 1.60 | 3.27 | 4.03 | 4.35 | 3.06 | 2.60 | 2.37 | 0.90 | 0.55 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brainerd, MN?
Brainerd has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brainerd, MN?
The median gross rent in Brainerd is $848 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brainerd?
The median home value in Brainerd is $178,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brainerd?
The median household income in Brainerd is $53,705 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brainerd, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brainerd is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Brainerd, MN affordable?
Yes, Brainerd is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brainerd?
Brainerd has average high temperatures of 53.3°F and average lows of 31.0°F. Annual precipitation is 24.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brainerd at a Glance
- Population
- 14,474
- Median Income
- $53,705
- Home Value
- $178,600
- Median Rent
- $848/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 53.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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