C+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
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 White Bear Lake Minnesota National
Cost of living110100100
Groceries102100100
Health care101100100
Housing132100100
Transportation99100100
Utilities102104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare10299100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in White Bear Lake, MN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in White Bear Lake? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in White Bear Lake stands at 110, making it 10% 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.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the White Bear Lake cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 31.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is White Bear Lake Affordable?

Is White Bear Lake 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 White Bear Lake is 34.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 25.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. White Bear Lake has a median household income of $103,888, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in White Bear Lake?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

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.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In White Bear Lake, healthcare costs are 1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The White Bear Lake 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 White Bear Lake is 10% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in White Bear Lake is 10% higher than the national average
  • White Bear Lake housing is 32% 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 White Bear Lake

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Compare White Bear Lake, MN Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$134,314$11,193$3,134$4,030
      Renters$68,961$5,747$1,609$2,069
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in White Bear Lake, 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 White Bear Lake have a median income of $134,314. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,134 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $68,961, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,609.

      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.
      Houlton, WI1091000.0%
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      White Bear Lake, MN26,26011010.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ruskin, FL26,2871043.8%
      McDonough, GA26,2281011.0%
      Franklin, IN26,224946.5%
      Bay Point, CA26,22113434.4%
      Lochearn, MD26,21611111.2%
      White Bear Lake, MN26,26011010.0%
      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.