Cost of Living in Owatonna, MN
Population 26,462 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Owatonna's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $81,276 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 40 miles west of Rochester, Owatonna falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Owatonna
The median home value in Owatonna is $234,600 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,010/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,276/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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, Owatonna has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Owatonna, MN?
Owatonna has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Owatonna, MN?
The median gross rent in Owatonna is $1,010 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Owatonna?
The median home value in Owatonna is $234,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Owatonna?
The median household income in Owatonna is $81,276 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Owatonna, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Owatonna is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Owatonna, MN affordable?
Yes, Owatonna is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
Owatonna at a Glance
- Population
- 26,462
- Median Income
- $81,276
- Home Value
- $234,600
- Median Rent
- $1,010/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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