| Index | Cottage Grove | Minnesota | National |
| Cost of living | 114 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 147 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 99 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove cost of living index is 114, which is 14% 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 are a very significant part of the Cottage Grove cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 47.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Cottage Grove an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Cottage Grove is 43.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 56.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Cottage Grove has a median household income of $150,702, which is 85.3% higher than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Cottage Grove, the transportation index is 2.3% lower than the national average.
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 Cottage Grove, the groceries index registers 0.4% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Cottage Grove 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.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $157,634 | $13,136 | $3,678 | $4,729 |
| Renters | $89,850 | $7,488 | $2,096 | $2,696 |
| 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. |
| Landfall, MN | 819 | 72 | 27.9% |
| South End, MN | 66 | 78 | 22.1% |
| St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN | 108 | 84 | 16.4% |
| New Trier, MN | 87 | 98 | 1.9% |
| St. Paul Park, MN | 5,562 | 101 | 1.2% |
| Cottage Grove, MN | 38,398 | 114 | 13.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Carpentersville, IL | 38,383 | 102 | 2.0% |
| Commack, NY | 38,358 | 154 | 53.6% |
| Meridian, MS | 38,491 | 83 | 16.7% |
| Mechanicsville, VA | 38,496 | 111 | 10.7% |
| Braintree Town, MA | 38,517 | 149 | 49.1% |
| Cottage Grove, MN | 38,398 | 114 | 13.7% |
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