Cost of Living in Houston, MN

With a cost of living index of 69, Houston, MN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Minnesota state average of 82. Houston is a small community of 883 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Houston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $815 (38% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $152,100 (50% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Houston is $50,667, which is 33% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% 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 Houston. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.8°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 22°F. Annual rainfall totals 35.2 inches spread over roughly 123 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-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.