Cost of Living in Orono, MN
Population 8,205 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Orono's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $952,000 for a typical home, 212% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $181,875 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Orono sits roughly 15 miles west of Minneapolis — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 176% higher than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Orono
The median home value in Orono is $952,400 — 212% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,653/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $181,875/year is 144% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, Orono has a cost of living index of 238 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 138% more expensive.
Orono has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Orono, MN?
Orono has a cost index of 238 (100 = national average). It is 138% above the national average.
What is average rent in Orono, MN?
The median gross rent in Orono is $1,653 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Orono?
The median home value in Orono is $952,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Orono?
The median household income in Orono is $181,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Orono, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orono is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Orono, MN affordable?
Orono is above average in cost of living, with an index of 238 — about 138% higher than the national average.
Orono at a Glance
- Population
- 8,205
- Median Income
- $181,875
- Home Value
- $952,400
- Median Rent
- $1,653/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs