A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Fergus Falls Minnesota National
Cost of living93100100
Groceries102100100
Health care98100100
Housing74100100
Transportation101100100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare9899100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fergus Falls, MN

The cost of living in Fergus Falls 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 Fergus Falls is 93, which is 7% lower 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 Fergus Falls 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 Fergus Falls can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Fergus Falls Affordable?

Is Fergus Falls an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Fergus Falls, the median home price is 23.4% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 33.6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Fergus Falls come in at $62,922, which is 22.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fergus Falls?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Fergus Falls, is 26.5% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Fergus Falls comes in at 3.3% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Fergus Falls cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fergus Falls is 8% lower than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Fergus Falls is 7% lower than the national average
  • Fergus Falls housing is 26% 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 Fergus Falls

See all the best places to live around Fergus Falls

Compare Fergus Falls, MN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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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$90,451$7,538$2,110$2,714
      Renters$37,616$3,135$878$1,129
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Fergus Falls, 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 Fergus Falls homeowners, is $90,451. This would allow for a maximum of $2,110 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $37,616 which would result in a maximum of $878 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.
      Foxhome, MN1138019.7%
      Erhard, MN1698119.0%
      Dalton, MN3248614.2%
      Ashby, MN4368811.6%
      Rothsay, MN5148910.7%
      Fergus Falls, MN14,278937.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hazel Crest, IL14,284972.8%
      Royal Kunia, HI14,26918079.9%
      Riverhead, NY14,28713332.7%
      Maumee, OH14,267928.0%
      Hidalgo, TX14,2908812.0%
      Fergus Falls, MN14,278937.5%
      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.