Cost of Living in Independence, MN

Population 3,695 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

256
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Independence's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $758,000 for a typical home, 148% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $194,205 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Independence sits roughly 20 miles west of Minneapolis. Median home values run roughly 119% higher than Minneapolis' $346,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 248
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Independence

The median home value in Independence is $757,800 — 148% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,500/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $194,205/year is 160% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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, Independence has a cost of living index of 256 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 156% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$757,800
148% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$820,939
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,500/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.0x
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 91.6%
Renter-occupied 8.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,500
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,114/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
28.4 min
5% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
27.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.1%
Carpooled
11.1%
Walked
0.9%
Work from home
27.0%

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
$194,205
160% above avg
Per Capita Income
$94,243
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.5%
Labor Force Participation
65.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 41.0%
Graduate degree 21.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.9
Male median age 41.8
Female median age 48.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
47.4%
Good air days/yr
187
Max AQI recorded
273
PM2.5 days
69
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Independence, MN?

Independence has a cost index of 256 (100 = national average). It is 156% above the national average.

What is average rent in Independence, MN?

The median gross rent in Independence is $3,500 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Independence?

The median home value in Independence is $757,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Independence?

The median household income in Independence is $194,205 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Independence, MN?

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

Is Independence, MN affordable?

Independence is above average in cost of living, with an index of 256 — about 156% higher than the national average.

Independence at a Glance

Population
3,695
Median Income
$194,205
Home Value
$757,800
Median Rent
$3,500/mo
Unemployment
0.0%
Sales Tax
7.4%
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🗺️ County data for Minnesota

Explore county-level cost of living data

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