B+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
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 Sartell Minnesota National
Cost of living105100100
Groceries100100100
Health care99100100
Housing114100100
Transportation100100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare9999100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Sartell, MN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Sartell? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Sartell stands at 105, making it 5% 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.

The cost of living in Sartell is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Sartell Affordable?

Is Sartell 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 Sartell is 19.1% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 2.6% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Sartell has a median household income of $104,706, which is 28.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sartell?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Sartell, the housing index is 14.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Sartell, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and the income tax rates commence at 5.35%.

Where is the Data From?

The Sartell cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sartell is 4% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Sartell is 5% higher than the national average
  • Sartell 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 Sartell

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Compare Sartell, 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$156,599$13,050$3,654$4,698
      Renters$63,081$5,257$1,472$1,893
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Sartell, 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 Sartell have a median income of $156,599. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,654 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $63,081, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,472.

      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.
      Elmdale, MN1631010.6%
      Bowlus, MN299919.0%
      Holdingford, MN690937.1%
      Royalton, MN1,213946.4%
      Richmond, MN1,421945.5%
      Sartell, MN19,0151054.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Alberni, BC19,018n/a 
      Mayfield Heights, OH19,024946.2%
      Gautier, MS19,005927.6%
      Castaic, CA19,00316867.5%
      Rancho Mirage, CA19,00315656.1%
      Sartell, MN19,0151054.7%
      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.