C
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
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 Farmington Minnesota National
Cost of living113100100
Groceries102100100
Health care99100100
Housing142100100
Transportation98100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment95100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare10399100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Farmington, MN

The cost of living in Farmington 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 Farmington is 113, which is 13% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Farmington cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 42.4% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Farmington Affordable?

Is Farmington 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 Farmington is 45.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 35.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Farmington has a median household income of $142,868, which is 75.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Farmington?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Farmington, the utilities index registers at 2.3% higher 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 Farmington, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and the income tax rates commence at 5.35%.

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 Farmington, the groceries index is 1.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Farmington cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Farmington is 12% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Farmington is 13% higher than the national average
  • Farmington housing is 42% 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 Farmington

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Compare Farmington, MN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$149,764$12,480$3,494$4,493
      Renters$74,153$6,179$1,730$2,225
      The affordability of the housing market in Farmington, MN as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Farmington homeowners, the median income is $149,764. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,494 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $74,153. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,730 for their rent related monthly 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.
      New Trier, MN87981.9%
      Cannon Falls, MN4,1541010.7%
      St. Paul Park, MN5,5621011.2%
      Coates, MN1451011.5%
      Northfield, MN21,0041054.8%
      Farmington, MN23,81911312.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rock Springs, WY23,8231033.2%
      Oakdale, CA23,80513332.9%
      Auburn, ME23,8041010.5%
      Fort Hood, TX23,8491077.4%
      Oxford, OH23,787991.4%
      Farmington, MN23,81911312.6%
      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.