Cost of Living in Moorhead, MN
Population 44,706 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Moorhead cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $246,000, rents near $1,017 a month.
Geographically, Moorhead is part of the immediate Fargo metro area. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Moorhead
The median home value in Moorhead is $246,300 — 19% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,017/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,371/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 52.6°F and lows of 31.8°F, with about 51.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Moorhead has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 18 | 23 | 36 | 54 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 72 | 56 | 38 | 24 |
| Low °F | 0 | 4 | 18 | 32 | 44 | 56 | 59 | 57 | 48 | 35 | 21 | 8 |
| Precip" | 0.71 | 0.69 | 1.25 | 1.54 | 3.09 | 4.29 | 3.07 | 2.60 | 2.68 | 2.17 | 0.97 | 0.89 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 8.1 | 9.2 | 4.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 6.8 | 11.7 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Moorhead, MN?
Moorhead has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Moorhead, MN?
The median gross rent in Moorhead is $1,017 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Moorhead?
The median home value in Moorhead is $246,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Moorhead?
The median household income in Moorhead is $69,371 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Moorhead, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Moorhead is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Moorhead, MN affordable?
Yes, Moorhead is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Moorhead?
Moorhead has average high temperatures of 52.6°F and average lows of 31.8°F. Annual precipitation is 23.9". Average annual snowfall is 51.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Moorhead at a Glance
- Population
- 44,706
- Median Income
- $69,371
- Home Value
- $246,300
- Median Rent
- $1,017/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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