| Index | Brainerd | Minnesota | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 71 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Utilities | 106 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 99 | 99 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Brainerd 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 Brainerd cost of living index is 92, which is 8% lower 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.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, 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.
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 30.2% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 26.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Brainerd boasting a median household income of $55,121, which is 32.2% lower than the national average.
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 0.5% 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 household expenses, 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%.
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 Brainerd, the healthcare costs are 0.9% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Brainerd are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $79,122 | $6,594 | $1,846 | $2,374 |
| Renters | $40,065 | $3,339 | $935 | $1,202 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Minnesota | 6.875% | 7.875% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Minnesota | 5.35% | 9.85% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Trommald, MN | 96 | 86 | 13.8% |
| Ironton, MN | 523 | 88 | 11.6% |
| Riverton, MN | 211 | 89 | 11.0% |
| Crosby, MN | 2,881 | 89 | 10.8% |
| Pillager, MN | 392 | 93 | 7.5% |
| Brainerd, MN | 13,746 | 92 | 8.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Superior, CO | 13,747 | 161 | 60.8% |
| Palos Verdes Estates, CA | 13,749 | 332 | 232.2% |
| La Grande, OR | 13,742 | 105 | 4.6% |
| Lake Forest Park, WA | 13,735 | 173 | 72.7% |
| Moss Point, MS | 13,734 | 87 | 13.4% |
| Brainerd, MN | 13,746 | 92 | 8.3% |
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