Cost of Living in Duluth, MN
Population 86,863 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Duluth offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $226,000 — costs less than 3.4 times median household income of $66,263, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Geographically, Duluth lies roughly 135 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, St. Paul. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than St. Paul's $280,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Duluth
The median home value in Duluth is $225,700 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,037/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,263/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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, Duluth has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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 Duluth, MN?
Duluth has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Duluth, MN?
The median gross rent in Duluth is $1,037 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Duluth?
The median home value in Duluth is $225,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Duluth?
The median household income in Duluth is $66,263 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Duluth, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Duluth is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Duluth, MN affordable?
Yes, Duluth is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Duluth at a Glance
- Population
- 86,863
- Median Income
- $66,263
- Home Value
- $225,700
- Median Rent
- $1,037/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs