Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MN

Population 11,186 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

70
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Grand Rapids 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.

Grand Rapids lies roughly 155 miles east of the nearest major metro, Fargo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Fargo's $270,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 66
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

The median home value in Grand Rapids is $200,600 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $999/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,542/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, 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%. Overall, Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$200,600
34% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$270,024
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$999/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$702
1 BR
$784
2 BR
$937
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,537
Owner-occupied 59.4%
Renter-occupied 40.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$999
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,613/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
17.5 min
35% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.1%
Carpooled
10.1%
Public transit
3.8%
Walked
4.2%
Bicycle
2.2%
Work from home
7.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.4%
State rate 6.9%
Avg local rate 0.6%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$56,542
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,552
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
18% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Labor Force Participation
53.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.1%
Graduate degree 12.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.5
Male median age 41.8
Female median age 47.2

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
12
Public schools
4,123
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MN?

Grand Rapids has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in Grand Rapids, MN?

The median gross rent in Grand Rapids is $999 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Grand Rapids?

The median home value in Grand Rapids is $200,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Grand Rapids?

The median household income in Grand Rapids is $56,542 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Grand Rapids, MN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grand Rapids is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.

Is Grand Rapids, MN affordable?

Yes, Grand Rapids is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

Grand Rapids at a Glance

Population
11,186
Median Income
$56,542
Home Value
$200,600
Median Rent
$999/mo
Unemployment
5.7%
Sales Tax
7.4%
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🗺️ County data for Minnesota

Explore county-level cost of living data

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