Cost of Living in Cottage Grove, MN
Population 40,124 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Cottage Grove cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $360,000, rents near $1,644 a month.
Cottage Grove sits roughly 13 miles southeast of St. Paul — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than St. Paul's $280,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cottage Grove
The median home value in Cottage Grove is $359,600 — 18% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,644/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $121,452/year is 63% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Cottage Grove has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more 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
💨 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 Cottage Grove, MN?
Cottage Grove has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cottage Grove, MN?
The median gross rent in Cottage Grove is $1,644 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cottage Grove?
The median home value in Cottage Grove is $359,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cottage Grove?
The median household income in Cottage Grove is $121,452 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cottage Grove, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cottage Grove is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Cottage Grove, MN affordable?
Cottage Grove is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.
Cottage Grove at a Glance
- Population
- 40,124
- Median Income
- $121,452
- Home Value
- $359,600
- Median Rent
- $1,644/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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