A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
4%
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 St. Peter Minnesota National
Cost of living99100100
Groceries100100100
Health care101100100
Housing96100100
Transportation97100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare10499100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in St. Peter, MN

Knowing the cost of living in St. Peter 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 St. Peter stands at 99, marking it 1% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in St. Peter 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 St. Peter Affordable?

Is St. Peter 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 St. Peter, the median home price is 3.5% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 6.1% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in St. Peter come in at $82,721, which is 1.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in St. Peter?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in St. Peter, is 4.3% 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.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In St. Peter, the transportation index is 2.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The St. Peter 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 St. Peter is 1% lower than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in St. Peter is 1% lower than the national average
  • St. Peter housing is 4% lower 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

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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$109,537$9,128$2,556$3,286
      Renters$50,246$4,187$1,172$1,508
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in St. Peter 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. St. Peter has a median income of about $109,537 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,556 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $50,246. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,172 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.
      Kasota, MN755919.1%
      Le Center, MN2,727937.0%
      Le Sueur, MN4,135945.6%
      Janesville, MN2,588955.3%
      Cleveland, MN819954.7%
      St. Peter, MN12,333991.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Edgewood, WA12,32413838.4%
      Terrace, BC12,342n/a 
      Winfield, KS12,3218415.9%
      Spring Lake, NC12,346918.9%
      Trophy Club, TX12,31213534.5%
      St. Peter, MN12,333991.0%
      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.