Cost of Living in Hayfield, MN

With a cost of living index of 75, Hayfield, MN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the Minnesota state average of 82. Hayfield is a small community of 1,382 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hayfield's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $933 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $173,000 (43% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.5x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Hayfield is $69,688, which is 7% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Hayfield. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44.8°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 18°F. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches spread over roughly 124 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Rochester, MN (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower 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.