Cost of Living in International Falls, MN

Population 5,728 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

46
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives International Falls a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $115,000. At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 200 miles northeast of Fargo, International Falls is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Fargo's $270,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 38
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in International Falls

The median home value in International Falls is $115,000 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $753/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,043/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 48.9°F and lows of 26.0°F, with about 73" of annual snowfall. Overall, International Falls has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$115,000
62% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$433,278
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$753/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.7x
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 73.6%
Renter-occupied 26.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$753
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,367/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
9.8 min
64% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.0%
Carpooled
12.4%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
4.9%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
12.8%

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
$61,043
18% below avg
Per Capita Income
$38,127
Unemployment Rate
6.4%
33% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Labor Force Participation
59.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.7%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47
Male median age 46.5
Female median age 47.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
48.9°F
Avg Low
26.0°F
Annual Precip
25.4"
Annual Snowfall
73"
-10° 13° 35° 58° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 162235506474787666513421
Low °F -6-31226384852504231183
Precip" 0.790.691.021.643.063.783.972.823.002.221.390.99
Snow" 15.712.67.97.00.20.00.00.00.11.612.115.8

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
2
Public schools
973
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in International Falls, MN?

International Falls has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.

What is average rent in International Falls, MN?

The median gross rent in International Falls is $753 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in International Falls?

The median home value in International Falls is $115,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in International Falls?

The median household income in International Falls is $61,043 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in International Falls, MN?

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

Is International Falls, MN affordable?

Yes, International Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in International Falls?

International Falls has average high temperatures of 48.9°F and average lows of 26.0°F. Annual precipitation is 25.4". Average annual snowfall is 73". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

International Falls at a Glance

Population
5,728
Median Income
$61,043
Home Value
$115,000
Median Rent
$753/mo
Unemployment
6.4%
Avg High Temp
48.9°F
Sales Tax
7.4%
View all cities in Minnesota →
🗺️ County data for Minnesota

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs