A-
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
29%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Brainerd Minnesota National
Cost of living9499100
Goods & Services109100100
Groceries9798100
Health care124109100
Housing71100100
Transportation9997100
Utilities9393100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Brainerd, MN

The cost of living in Brainerd affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Brainerd is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Brainerd are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Brainerd can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Brainerd Affordable?

Wondering if Brainerd is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Brainerd, for example, the median home price is 30.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.6% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Brainerd boasting a median household income of $36,699, which is 33.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brainerd?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Brainerd, the transportation index stands at 0.9% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Brainerd, the groceries index is 2.9% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Brainerd, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and the income tax rates commence at 5.35%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Brainerd, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brainerd is 5% lower than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Brainerd is 6% lower than the national average
  • Brainerd housing is 29% lower than the national average
  • Minnesota general sales tax is 35% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota state income tax is 106% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Brainerd

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Compare Brainerd, MN Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$53,000$4,417$1,237$1,590
      Renters$27,121$2,260$633$814
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Brainerd, MN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Brainerd, the median monthly income is $53,000 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,237 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $27,121, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $633 on monthly rental expenses.

      Minnesota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Minnesota 6.875% 7.875%

      Minnesota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Minnesota 5.35% 9.85%

      Goods & Services

      Item Brainerd National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.97$24.2615.3%
      Beauty Salon $37.17$45.5618.4%
      Toothpaste $3.62$3.702.2%
      Shampoo $1.52$1.2818.6%
      Movie $11.24$12.137.4%
      Bowling $26.39$18.0046.6%

      Groceries

      Item Brainerd National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.75$5.841.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.35$1.5713.9%
      Milk $4.58$4.672.0%
      Potatoes $4.86$4.931.4%
      Pizza $13.07$12.098.2%
      Beer $9.52$10.418.5%

      Health Care

      Item Brainerd National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $109.94$125.6812.5%
      Doctor $162.98$135.7820.0%
      Dentist $96.90$113.2914.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.88$10.652.1%
      Lipitor $492.95$468.605.2%

      Housing

      Item Brainerd National avg. Difference
      Home Price $127,700.00$184,700.0030.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,954.72$2,346.6916.7%
      Apartment Rent $716.00$949.0024.6%

      Transportation

      Item Brainerd National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.31$3.464.3%
      Tire Balancing $61.97$59.923.4%

      Utilities

      Item Brainerd National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $175.69$193.999.4%
      Phone $188.55$192.251.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Trommald, MN948911.5%
      Ironton, MN505919.3%
      Riverton, MN205918.8%
      Crosby, MN2,780918.6%
      Pillager, MN382945.7%
      Brainerd, MN13,423945.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Beaufort, SC13,4171065.5%
      Lyndhurst, OH13,431954.5%
      Beach Park, IL13,4331021.7%
      Whitehall, PA13,437981.8%
      Nesconset, NY13,44015756.7%
      Brainerd, MN13,423945.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.