Cost of Living in Detroit Lakes, MN

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A
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
2%
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 Detroit Lakes Minnesota National
Cost of living100100100
Groceries102100100
Health care98100100
Housing98100100
Transportation101100100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare9899100
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Homes For Sale In Detroit Lakes, MN

property for sale

1019 Timber Dr

Detroit Lakes, MN
property for sale

1994 Longview Dr

Detroit Lakes, MN
property for sale

2247 Wilderness Trl

Detroit Lakes, MN
property for sale

1291 Highland Dr

Detroit Lakes, MN

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Detroit Lakes is equal to the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Detroit Lakes is equal to the national average
  • Detroit Lakes housing is 2% lower 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 Detroit Lakes

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Compare Detroit Lakes, MN Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$104,800$8,733$2,445$3,144
      Renters$41,479$3,457$968$1,244
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Detroit Lakes, MN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Detroit Lakes, the median monthly income is $104,800 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,445 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $41,479, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $968 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Callaway, MN2228514.9%
      Lake Park, MN6488811.5%
      Vergas, MN327928.1%
      Audubon, MN573927.9%
      Frazee, MN1,416946.4%
      Detroit Lakes, MN9,5671000.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Qualicum Beach, BC9,566n/a 
      Versailles, KY9,568955.2%
      Stanley, MB9,568n/a 
      Leisure World, MD9,56911919.1%
      Fultondale, AL9,570964.0%
      Detroit Lakes, MN9,5671000.1%
      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.
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