C-
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
50%
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 Ramsey Minnesota National
Cost of living115100100
Groceries101100100
Health care102100100
Housing150100100
Transportation97100100
Utilities104104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare9799100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ramsey, MN

Knowing the cost of living in Ramsey 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 Ramsey stands at 115, marking it 15% higher than the national average.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Ramsey, 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 50.4% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Ramsey Affordable?

Is Ramsey affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Ramsey, for instance, where the median home price falls 47.7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 56.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Ramsey flaunting a median household income of $148,035, 82% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ramsey?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Ramsey, the transportation index is 2.8% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Ramsey, the utilities index registers at 3.8% higher than the national average.

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 Ramsey, the housing index comes in at 50.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Ramsey 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 Ramsey is 15% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Ramsey is 15% higher than the national average
  • Ramsey housing is 50% 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 Ramsey

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Compare Ramsey, 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$154,491$12,874$3,605$4,635
      Renters$101,238$8,437$2,362$3,037
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Ramsey, 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 Ramsey have a median income of $154,491. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,605 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $101,238, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,362.

      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.
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      Big Lake CDP, MN3901011.0%
      Brooklyn Center, MN31,6821021.8%
      Columbia Heights, MN21,0191021.9%
      Rockford, MN4,5951021.7%
      Ramsey, MN27,74811515.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dodge City, KS27,7468713.3%
      West Chicago, IL27,7401109.8%
      Bristol, TN27,756918.7%
      Carrollton, GA27,734982.1%
      Shoreview, MN27,77111514.9%
      Ramsey, MN27,74811515.4%
      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.