| Index | Crystal | Minnesota | National |
| Cost of living | 105 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 116 | 100 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Utilities | 105 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 99 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Crystal is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Crystal is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Crystal is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Is Crystal 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 Crystal is 15.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 17.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Crystal has a median household income of $105,778, which is 30.1% 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 Crystal, the transportation index is 1.4% lower than the national average.
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 Crystal, the utilities index stands at 4.7% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Crystal, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and income tax rates begin at 5.35%.
The cost of living data for Crystal shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between 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 | $125,521 | $10,460 | $2,929 | $3,766 |
| Renters | $59,647 | $4,971 | $1,392 | $1,790 |
| 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. |
| South End, MN | 66 | 78 | 22.1% |
| Hilltop, MN | 1,045 | 80 | 20.0% |
| St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN | 108 | 84 | 16.4% |
| Brooklyn Center, MN | 31,682 | 102 | 1.8% |
| Columbia Heights, MN | 21,019 | 102 | 1.9% |
| Crystal, MN | 23,618 | 105 | 4.8% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Kihei, HI | 23,616 | 176 | 75.8% |
| Dickinson, ND | 23,614 | 104 | 4.4% |
| L'Assomption, QC | 23,628 | n/a | |
| Farragut, TN | 23,607 | 123 | 23.3% |
| Eastmont, WA | 23,603 | 148 | 48.2% |
| Crystal, MN | 23,618 | 105 | 4.8% |