Cost of Living in Wadena, MN

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11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
39%
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 Wadena Minnesota National
Cost of living89100100
Groceries100100100
Health care99100100
Housing61100100
Transportation100100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items102100100
Education & Childcare9999100
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Homes For Sale In Wadena, MN

property for sale

422 2nd St SE

Wadena, MN
property for sale

13891 Pineview Acres Cir

Wadena, MN
property for sale

42950 County Highway 19

Sebeka, MN
property for sale

106 Cedar Ave NE

Wadena, MN
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Wadena, MN

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wadena is 11% lower than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Wadena is 11% lower than the national average
  • Wadena housing is 39% 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

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Wadena

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$66,187$5,516$1,544$1,986
      Renters$51,223$4,269$1,195$1,537
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Wadena, MN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Wadena, the median monthly income is $66,187 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,544 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $51,223, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,195 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Aldrich, MN451010.6%
      Hewitt, MN2378218.3%
      Sebeka, MN7978317.3%
      Nimrod, MN1308416.3%
      Bertha, MN5818416.0%
      Wadena, MN4,2818911.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dewey-Humboldt, AZ4,2811066.2%
      Chariton, IA4,2818217.7%
      Westport, NC4,28113232.0%
      Comanche, TX4,2818416.1%
      Bonsall, CA4,28018080.0%
      Wadena, MN4,2818911.2%
      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.
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