Rogers is 19% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $159,638
and a population of 13,405.
Lakeville is 24% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $138,119
and a population of 72,480.
Farmington is 3% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $118,556
and a population of 23,675.
Shakopee is 11% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $110,989
and a population of 45,002.
Hastings is 3% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $92,940
and a population of 22,050.
Maplewood is 0% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $88,534
and a population of 40,981.
Otsego is 18% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $127,219
and a population of 21,358.
Prior Lake is 19% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $130,278
and a population of 27,832.
St. Paul is 3% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $73,055
and a population of 307,762.
Big Lake is 3% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $113,333
and a population of 12,115.
Rosemount is 19% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $127,247
and a population of 26,509.
Northfield is 7% cheaper
than the national average with a median income of $92,000
and a population of 20,678.
Maple Grove is 26% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $129,481
and a population of 70,539.
Savage is 18% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $122,646
and a population of 32,706.
Inver Grove Heights is 9% more expensive
than the national average with a median income of $104,055
and a population of 35,772.
How We Rank the Best Places to Live
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average),
income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau),
housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and
climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates).
Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the
US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.