Cost of Living in Golden Valley, MN
Population 21,927 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Golden Valley a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $424,000.
Located 5 miles west of Minneapolis, Golden Valley falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Golden Valley
The median home value in Golden Valley is $423,500 — 39% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,815/month, 38% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,435/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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, Golden Valley has a cost of living index of 139 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 Golden Valley, MN?
Golden Valley has a cost index of 139 (100 = national average). It is 39% above the national average.
What is average rent in Golden Valley, MN?
The median gross rent in Golden Valley is $1,815 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Golden Valley?
The median home value in Golden Valley is $423,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Golden Valley?
The median household income in Golden Valley is $114,435 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Golden Valley, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Golden Valley is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Golden Valley, MN affordable?
Golden Valley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 139 — about 39% higher than the national average.
Golden Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 21,927
- Median Income
- $114,435
- Home Value
- $423,500
- Median Rent
- $1,815/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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