C+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
31%
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 Hopkins Minnesota National
Cost of living110100100
Groceries99100100
Health care101100100
Housing131100100
Transportation101100100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare10499100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Hopkins, MN

Knowing the cost of living in Hopkins allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Hopkins stands at 110, marking it 10% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Hopkins aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Hopkins residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Hopkins 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 31.1% 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 Hopkins Affordable?

Is Hopkins affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Hopkins, the median home price is 38.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 14.4% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Hopkins boasting a median household income of $86,929, 6.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hopkins?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Hopkins, the housing index comes in at 31.1% 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 Hopkins, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and the income tax rates commence at 5.35%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Hopkins 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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hopkins is 10% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Hopkins is 10% higher than the national average
  • Hopkins housing is 31% 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 Hopkins

See all the best places to live around Hopkins

Compare Hopkins, MN Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Hopkins?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Hopkins?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Hopkins poll results

      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$144,499$12,042$3,371$4,335
      Renters$65,578$5,465$1,530$1,968
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Hopkins, MN, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Hopkins, homeowners have a median income of $144,499. Using that number, a maximum of $3,371 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $65,578, which means there is a maximum of $1,530 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%
      Columbia Heights, MN21,0191021.9%
      Hopkins, MN19,0721109.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brook Park, OH19,0708911.0%
      Hybla Valley, VA19,07512929.1%
      Lake Ronkonkoma, NY19,05713535.1%
      Central Point, OR19,05711818.3%
      Saint-Colomban, QC19,057n/a 
      Hopkins, MN19,0721109.9%
      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.