Cost of Living in Crystal, MN
Population 22,685 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Crystal 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Crystal sits roughly 7 miles northwest of Minneapolis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Crystal
The median home value in Crystal is $280,500 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,437/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,752/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 55.5°F and lows of 36.1°F. Overall, Crystal has a cost of living index of 99 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% 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 | 24 | 29 | 42 | 57 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 73 | 58 | 42 | 29 |
| Low °F | 7 | 11 | 23 | 35 | 47 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 38 | 26 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.61 | 0.62 | 1.42 | 2.88 | 4.34 | 4.37 | 4.19 | 4.14 | 3.16 | 2.61 | 1.47 | 0.90 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Crystal, MN?
Crystal has a cost index of 99 (100 = national average). It is 1% below the national average.
What is average rent in Crystal, MN?
The median gross rent in Crystal is $1,437 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Crystal?
The median home value in Crystal is $280,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Crystal?
The median household income in Crystal is $86,752 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Crystal, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Crystal is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Crystal, MN affordable?
Crystal is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 99 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Crystal?
Crystal has average high temperatures of 55.5°F and average lows of 36.1°F. Annual precipitation is 30.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Crystal at a Glance
- Population
- 22,685
- Median Income
- $86,752
- Home Value
- $280,500
- Median Rent
- $1,437/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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