Cost of Living in Waseca, MN
Population 9,209 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waseca sits on the smaller end of the Minnesota city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Waseca is about 50 miles west of Rochester, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waseca
The median home value in Waseca is $185,600 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $796/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,546/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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, Waseca has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.
Waseca 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 Waseca, MN?
Waseca has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waseca, MN?
The median gross rent in Waseca is $796 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waseca?
The median home value in Waseca is $185,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waseca?
The median household income in Waseca is $61,546 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waseca, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waseca is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Waseca, MN affordable?
Yes, Waseca is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
Waseca at a Glance
- Population
- 9,209
- Median Income
- $61,546
- Home Value
- $185,600
- Median Rent
- $796/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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