Cost of Living in Forest Lake, MN

With a cost of living index of 109, Forest Lake, MN is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 9% more expensive than the national average and 27% above the Minnesota state average of 82. Forest Lake is a smaller community of 20,678 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Forest Lake's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,379 (5% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $375,900 (23% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Forest Lake is $89,879, which is 20% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Forest Lake. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.5°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 20°F. Annual rainfall totals 29.2 inches spread over roughly 102 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.