D
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
61%
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 Arden Hills Minnesota National
Cost of living119100100
Groceries102100100
Health care101100100
Housing161100100
Transportation99100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare10299100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Arden Hills, MN

Understanding the cost of living in Arden Hills 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 Arden Hills cost of living index is 119, which is 19% 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 Arden Hills 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 61.3%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Arden Hills Affordable?

Is Arden Hills 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 Arden Hills, for instance, where the median home price falls 62.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 58% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Arden Hills flaunting a median household income of $155,580, 91.3% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Arden Hills?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Arden Hills, the utilities index stands at 2.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Arden Hills, the housing index stands at 61.3% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Arden Hills cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Arden Hills is 19% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Arden Hills is 19% higher than the national average
  • Arden Hills housing is 61% 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 Arden Hills

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Compare Arden Hills, MN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$158,645$13,220$3,701$4,760
      Renters$114,563$9,547$2,673$3,437
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Arden Hills, MN, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Arden Hills homeowners, is $158,645. This would allow for a maximum of $3,701 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $114,563 which would result in a maximum of $2,673 to be spent on rental 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.
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%
      Arden Hills, MN10,64211918.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fredonia, NY10,6411022.4%
      Lyons, IL10,6441010.8%
      Vienna, WV10,6358712.9%
      Belle Chasse, LA10,63411312.9%
      Quartz Hill, CA10,65013130.9%
      Arden Hills, MN10,64211918.9%
      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.