Cost of Living in Rice Lake, MN

Population 4,120 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023

96
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 Rice Lake a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $284,000. An unemployment rate of 0.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Rice Lake lies roughly 145 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, St. Paul. Housing prices track closely with St. Paul's $280,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 93
Rent 101

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

About the Cost of Living in Rice Lake

The median home value in Rice Lake is $283,700 — 7% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,328/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,347/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 50.0°F and lows of 31.1°F, with about 90.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rice Lake has a cost of living index of 96 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$283,700
7% below avg
Median Rent
$1,328/mo
1% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.8x
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 90.5%
Renter-occupied 9.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,328
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,942/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
24.3 min
10% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.7%
Carpooled
8.2%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
3.5%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
5.7%

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
$95,347
28% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,487
Unemployment Rate
0.7%
86% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Labor Force Participation
58.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.5%
Graduate degree 9.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.8
Male median age 45.1
Female median age 43.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
50.0°F
Avg Low
31.1°F
Annual Precip
31.2"
Annual Snowfall
90.2"
20° 40° 60° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 202536496372787667533725
Low °F 2618304150565547362310
Precip" 0.951.011.462.533.374.393.923.733.482.911.961.47
Snow" 16.815.112.89.10.80.00.00.00.12.714.118.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rice Lake, MN?

Rice Lake has a cost index of 96 (100 = national average). It is 4% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rice Lake, MN?

The median gross rent in Rice Lake is $1,328 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rice Lake?

The median home value in Rice Lake is $283,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Rice Lake?

The median household income in Rice Lake is $95,347 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rice Lake, MN?

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

Is Rice Lake, MN affordable?

Rice Lake is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 96 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Rice Lake?

Rice Lake has average high temperatures of 50.0°F and average lows of 31.1°F. Annual precipitation is 31.2". Average annual snowfall is 90.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rice Lake at a Glance

Population
4,120
Median Income
$95,347
Home Value
$283,700
Median Rent
$1,328/mo
Unemployment
0.7%
Avg High Temp
50.0°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