Cost of Living in Hill City, MN

With a cost of living index of 69, Hill City, MN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the Minnesota state average of 82. Hill City is a small community of 543 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hill City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $878 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $102,900 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Hill City is $39,583, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. 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 Hill City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 36.9°F, with summers averaging 61°F and winters around 10°F. Annual rainfall totals 24.8 inches spread over roughly 113 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.