A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
20%
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 Winona Minnesota National
Cost of living94100100
Groceries100100100
Health care99100100
Housing80100100
Transportation95100100
Utilities104104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare9699100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Winona, MN

The cost of living in Winona affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Winona is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Winona closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Winona can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 8 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Winona. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 63% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 38% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Winona Affordable?

Is Winona 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 Winona, the median home price is 14.1% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 32.8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Winona come in at $73,011, which is 10.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Winona?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Winona, the utilities index registers at 4.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Winona, the housing index stands at 19.7% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Winona, the groceries index is 0.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Winona cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Winona is 7% lower than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Winona is 6% lower than the national average
  • Winona housing is 20% 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 Winona

See all the best places to live around Winona

Compare Winona, MN Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Winona?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Winona?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Winona poll results

      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$100,105$8,342$2,336$3,003
      Renters$36,198$3,017$845$1,086
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Winona, MN, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Winona, homeowners have a median income of $100,105. Using that number, a maximum of $2,336 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $36,198, which means there is a maximum of $845 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Dodge, WI1458614.1%
      Cochrane, WI4638812.1%
      Arcadia, WI3,125928.4%
      Utica, MN262936.9%
      Altura, MN461936.6%
      Winona, MN27,459946.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wooster, OH27,464927.9%
      Sanger, CA27,47512020.0%
      Colleyville, TX27,47715353.4%
      King, ON27,487n/a 
      Batavia, IL27,42511717.2%
      Winona, MN27,459946.4%
      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.