Cost of Living in St. Cloud, MN
Population 69,926 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The St. Cloud cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $213,000, rents near $1,005 a month. At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, St. Cloud is about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in St. Cloud
The median home value in St. Cloud is $212,800 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,005/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,112/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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, St. Cloud has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Cloud, MN?
St. Cloud has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in St. Cloud, MN?
The median gross rent in St. Cloud is $1,005 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Cloud?
The median home value in St. Cloud is $212,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Cloud?
The median household income in St. Cloud is $61,112 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Cloud, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Cloud is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is St. Cloud, MN affordable?
Yes, St. Cloud is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
St. Cloud at a Glance
- Population
- 69,926
- Median Income
- $61,112
- Home Value
- $212,800
- Median Rent
- $1,005/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- 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