C-
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
47%
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 Apple Valley Minnesota National
Cost of living11299100
Goods & Services96100100
Groceries9998100
Health care101109100
Housing147100100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9493100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Apple Valley, MN

Understanding the cost of living in Apple Valley can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Apple Valley cost of living index is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Housing costs significantly influence the Apple Valley cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 46.7%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Apple Valley Affordable?

Is Apple Valley affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Apple Valley, for instance, where the median home price falls 46.5% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 47.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Apple Valley flaunting a median household income of $90,162, 63% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Apple Valley?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Apple Valley, the groceries index registers 1.2% 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 Apple Valley, the healthcare costs are 0.7% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Apple Valley, the utilities index is 6.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley is 13% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Apple Valley is 12% higher than the national average
  • Apple Valley housing is 47% higher 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 Apple Valley

See all the best places to live around Apple Valley

Compare Apple Valley, 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$104,163$8,680$2,430$3,125
      Renters$53,137$4,428$1,240$1,594
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Apple Valley, 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 Apple Valley, the median monthly income is $104,163 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,430 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $53,137, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,240 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 Apple Valley National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.67$24.2618.2%
      Beauty Salon $34.55$45.5624.2%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.4%
      Shampoo $1.30$1.281.5%
      Movie $13.47$12.1311.0%
      Bowling $21.50$18.0019.4%

      Groceries

      Item Apple Valley National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.49$5.845.9%
      Fried Chicken $1.35$1.5714.2%
      Milk $4.63$4.670.8%
      Potatoes $4.98$4.930.8%
      Pizza $12.49$12.093.3%
      Beer $9.36$10.4110.1%

      Health Care

      Item Apple Valley National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $145.44$125.6815.7%
      Doctor $229.08$135.7868.7%
      Dentist $108.67$113.294.1%
      Ibuprofen $10.36$10.652.7%
      Lipitor $599.08$468.6027.8%

      Housing

      Item Apple Valley National avg. Difference
      Home Price $270,600.00$184,700.0046.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,941.44$2,346.6917.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,396.00$949.0047.1%

      Transportation

      Item Apple Valley National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.38$3.462.5%
      Tire Balancing $61.74$59.923.0%

      Utilities

      Item Apple Valley National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $175.38$193.999.6%
      Phone $187.39$192.252.5%
      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.
      Landfall, MN7967030.3%
      South End, MN657525.2%
      New Trier, MN84963.9%
      Coates, MN142991.2%
      St. Paul Park, MN5,404990.6%
      Apple Valley, MN53,72811211.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Leesburg, VA53,73114242.2%
      Aloha, OR53,72412929.3%
      Kingsport, TN53,6998812.0%
      Minnetonka, MN53,76012222.4%
      Novato, CA53,78119797.5%
      Apple Valley, MN53,72811211.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.