A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Alexandria Minnesota National
Cost of living98100100
Groceries100100100
Health care99100100
Housing93100100
Transportation100100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare9999100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Alexandria, MN

Knowing the cost of living in Alexandria allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Alexandria stands at 98, marking it 2% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Alexandria is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Alexandria Affordable?

Is Alexandria an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Alexandria, the median home price is 0.1% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 25% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Alexandria come in at $81,276, which is 0.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Alexandria?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Alexandria, the groceries index is 0.4% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Alexandria, the housing index is 7.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Alexandria, the healthcare costs are 0.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Alexandria shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Alexandria is 2% lower than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Alexandria is 2% lower than the national average
  • Alexandria housing is 7% 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 Alexandria

See all the best places to live around Alexandria

Compare Alexandria, MN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$116,856$9,738$2,726$3,506
      Renters$51,214$4,268$1,195$1,537
      The affordability of the housing market in Alexandria, MN as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Alexandria homeowners, the median income is $116,856. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,726 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $51,214. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,195 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Westport, MN468416.4%
      Farwell, MN278613.9%
      Millerville, MN1088713.1%
      West Union, MN838812.3%
      Lowry, MN3538811.6%
      Alexandria, MN14,194981.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jefferson Valley-Yorktown, NY14,19214342.5%
      Lebanon, NH14,19711515.0%
      Short Hills, NJ14,190262162.3%
      D'Iberville, MS14,203955.2%
      Bridgetown, OH14,203919.3%
      Alexandria, MN14,194981.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.