A-
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
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 Brooklyn Center Minnesota National
Cost of living102100100
Groceries102100100
Health care100100100
Housing106100100
Transportation99100100
Utilities105104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare9599100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brooklyn Center, MN

The cost of living in Brooklyn Center affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Brooklyn Center is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Brooklyn Center closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Brooklyn Center can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Brooklyn Center?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Brooklyn Center. The results indicated that 50% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 50% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Brooklyn Center Affordable?

Is Brooklyn Center 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 Brooklyn Center, for instance, where the median home price falls 1.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 15.1% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Brooklyn Center flaunting a median household income of $96,266, 18.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brooklyn Center?

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 Brooklyn Center, the healthcare costs are 0.2% higher than the national average.

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 Brooklyn Center, the groceries index is 1.9% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Brooklyn Center cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brooklyn Center is 2% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Brooklyn Center is 2% higher than the national average
  • Brooklyn Center housing is 6% 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 Brooklyn Center

See all the best places to live around Brooklyn Center

Compare Brooklyn Center, MN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
      Lifestyle 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$109,224$9,102$2,548$3,277
      Renters$74,666$6,222$1,742$2,240
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Brooklyn Center, 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 Brooklyn Center homeowners, is $109,224. This would allow for a maximum of $2,548 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $74,666 which would result in a maximum of $1,742 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.
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Columbia Heights, MN21,0191021.9%
      Lexington, MN2,3651011.4%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Danville, IL31,6898416.2%
      Sahuarita, AZ31,69511212.4%
      Morgantown, WV31,653981.6%
      Los Altos, CA31,735341240.6%
      Nicholasville, KY31,738937.0%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%
      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.