B+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
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 Mounds View Minnesota National
Cost of living104100100
Groceries98100100
Health care98100100
Housing114100100
Transportation98100100
Utilities108104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare9699100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Mounds View, MN

The cost of living in Mounds View 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 Mounds View is 104, which is 4% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Mounds View are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Mounds View can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Mounds View Affordable?

Is Mounds View 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 Mounds View, the median home price is 20.7% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 0.8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Mounds View come in at $110,398, which is 35.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mounds View?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Mounds View, the transportation index is 2.2% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Mounds View, the utilities index stands at 7.7% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Mounds View, healthcare costs are 2.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Mounds View 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 Mounds View is 3% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Mounds View is 4% higher than the national average
  • Mounds View housing is 14% 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 Mounds View

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Compare Mounds View, 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$132,040$11,003$3,081$3,962
      Renters$64,265$5,355$1,499$1,928
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Mounds View is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Mounds View has a median income of about $132,040 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,081 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $64,265. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,499 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%
      Columbia Heights, MN21,0191021.9%
      Mounds View, MN13,4681043.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sarasota Springs, FL13,46711312.7%
      Jupiter Farms, FL13,46113333.3%
      Rocky Point, NY13,45812928.8%
      Perth East, ON13,452n/a 
      Fostoria, OH13,4878218.2%
      Mounds View, MN13,4681043.6%
      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.