B
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
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 Oakdale Minnesota National
Cost of living107100100
Groceries100100100
Health care98100100
Housing122100100
Transportation98100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare10499100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oakdale, MN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Oakdale? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Oakdale stands at 107, making it 7% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

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

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Oakdale cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 22.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Oakdale Affordable?

Is Oakdale 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 Oakdale, the median home price is 26.5% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 12.5% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Oakdale come in at $112,448, which is 38.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oakdale?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Oakdale, healthcare costs are 1.7% lower than the national average.

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.

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 Oakdale, the groceries index is 0.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Oakdale 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 Oakdale is 7% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Oakdale is 7% higher than the national average
  • Oakdale housing is 22% 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 Oakdale

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Compare Oakdale, 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$140,387$11,699$3,275$4,212
      Renters$50,527$4,211$1,179$1,516
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Oakdale, MN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Oakdale have a median income of $140,387. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,275 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $50,527, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,179.

      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%
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      Oakdale, MN28,6481076.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Monroeville, PA28,652990.8%
      Lansing, IL28,675955.5%
      Windsor, CA28,61617373.5%
      Danvers, MA28,61414746.9%
      Yukon, OK28,599937.1%
      Oakdale, MN28,6481076.7%
      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.