F
22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
73%
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 Woodbury Minnesota National
Cost of living122100100
Groceries99100100
Health care99100100
Housing173100100
Transportation98100100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare10599100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Woodbury, MN

Understanding the cost of living in Woodbury can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Woodbury cost of living index is 122, which is 22% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Woodbury may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Woodbury falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Woodbury 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 72.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

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

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 9 residents in Woodbury to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 11% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 89% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Woodbury Affordable?

Wondering if Woodbury is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Woodbury, for example, the median home price is 80.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 54.8% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Woodbury boasting a median household income of $160,848, which is 97.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Woodbury?

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 Woodbury, the utilities index registers at 3.2% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Woodbury, the transportation index is 1.6% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Woodbury shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Woodbury is 22% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Woodbury is 22% higher than the national average
  • Woodbury housing is 73% 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 Woodbury

See all the best places to live around Woodbury

Compare Woodbury, 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$187,000$15,583$4,363$5,611
      Renters$106,345$8,862$2,481$3,191
      The affordability of the housing market in Woodbury, MN as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Woodbury homeowners, the median income is $187,000. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,363 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $106,345. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,481 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%
      Woodbury, MN72,85212221.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Casas Adobes, AZ72,8581087.5%
      Wilmington, DE72,8231000.5%
      St. Albert, AB73,103n/a 
      St. Charles, MO72,4091011.4%
      Pittsburg, CA73,36214646.5%
      Woodbury, MN72,85212221.9%
      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.