B-
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Richfield Minnesota National
Cost of living107100100
Groceries99100100
Health care98100100
Housing127100100
Transportation100100100
Utilities101104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment103100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare9699100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Richfield, MN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Richfield? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Richfield 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 Richfield are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Richfield can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Richfield, 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 26.7% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Richfield?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 12 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Richfield. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Richfield Affordable?

Is Richfield an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Richfield is 30% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 19% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Richfield has a median household income of $102,343, which is 25.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Richfield?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Richfield comes in at 1% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Richfield, the housing index is 26.7% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Richfield starts at 6.875% and the income tax rates start at 5.35%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Richfield 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 Richfield is 7% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Richfield is 7% higher than the national average
  • Richfield housing is 27% 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 Richfield

See all the best places to live around Richfield

Compare Richfield, 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$125,798$10,483$2,935$3,774
      Renters$72,968$6,081$1,702$2,189
      The affordability of the housing market in Richfield, MN as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Richfield homeowners, the median income is $125,798. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,935 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $72,968. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,702 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      St. Paul Park, MN5,5621011.2%
      Richfield, MN37,1491077.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oak Creek, WI37,1241066.1%
      Wildomar, CA37,11814040.3%
      Côte-Saint-Luc, QC37,097n/a 
      Richmond, KY37,087918.6%
      Manchester, CT37,2161055.5%
      Richfield, MN37,1491077.4%
      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.