C
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Bloomington Minnesota National
Cost of living112100100
Groceries99100100
Health care98100100
Housing138100100
Transportation101100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare10499100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bloomington, MN

Knowing the cost of living in Bloomington 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 Bloomington stands at 112, marking it 12% higher than the national average.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Bloomington cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 38.5% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Bloomington Affordable?

Wondering if Bloomington 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 Bloomington, for example, the median home price is 44.2% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 25.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bloomington boasting a median household income of $115,075, which is 41.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bloomington?

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 Bloomington, the transportation index stands at 0.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

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 Bloomington, the housing index is 38.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bloomington 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 Bloomington is 12% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Bloomington is 12% higher than the national average
  • Bloomington housing is 38% 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 Bloomington

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Compare Bloomington, 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$144,728$12,061$3,377$4,342
      Renters$77,462$6,455$1,807$2,324
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Bloomington is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Bloomington has a median income of about $144,728 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,377 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $77,462. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,807 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      South End, MN667822.1%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Coates, MN1451011.5%
      South St. Paul, MN20,7231022.0%
      Robbinsdale, MN14,7671033.3%
      Bloomington, MN87,23411212.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Troy, MI87,19711616.3%
      Hemet, CA87,27911817.7%
      Clifton, NJ87,33113333.4%
      Redwood City, CA87,093269168.7%
      Johns Creek, GA87,09013332.6%
      Bloomington, MN87,23411212.0%
      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.