Cost of Living in Perham, MN
Population 3,577 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,088, median household incomes in Perham land roughly 37% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 15.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Perham is about 60 miles east of Fargo, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Fargo's $270,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Perham
The median home value in Perham is $186,000 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $813/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,088/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.4%, 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%. Overall, Perham has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
Perham 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Perham, MN?
Perham has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Perham, MN?
The median gross rent in Perham is $813 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Perham?
The median home value in Perham is $186,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Perham?
The median household income in Perham is $47,088 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Perham, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Perham is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Perham, MN affordable?
Yes, Perham is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
Perham at a Glance
- Population
- 3,577
- Median Income
- $47,088
- Home Value
- $186,000
- Median Rent
- $813/mo
- Unemployment
- 15.4%
- 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