C
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
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 Hugo Minnesota National
Cost of living113100100
Groceries98100100
Health care98100100
Housing147100100
Transportation98100100
Utilities108104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare9699100
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 Hugo, MN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hugo 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 Hugo is 113, which is 13% 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.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Hugo, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 46.7% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Hugo Affordable?

Wondering if Hugo is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Hugo, for example, the median home price is 44.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 52.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Hugo boasting a median household income of $139,883, which is 72% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hugo?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Hugo, the groceries index is 1.9% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Hugo are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hugo is 13% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Hugo is 13% higher than the national average
  • Hugo housing is 47% 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 Hugo

See all the best places to live around Hugo

Compare Hugo, MN Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Hugo?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Hugo?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Hugo 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$140,545$11,712$3,279$4,217
      Renters$91,078$7,590$2,125$2,733
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Hugo, 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 Hugo, homeowners have a median income of $140,545. Using that number, a maximum of $3,279 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $91,078, which means there is a maximum of $2,125 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.
      Houlton, WI1091000.0%
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Stacy, MN2,036964.4%
      Hugo, MN15,50111313.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hollins, VA15,5011021.7%
      Clearview, ON15,502n/a 
      Kenmore, NY15,4981033.1%
      Lockhart, FL15,4921065.8%
      West Haven, UT15,51112222.0%
      Hugo, MN15,50111313.4%
      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.