Cost of Living in International Falls, MN

With a cost of living index of 63, International Falls, MN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 37% cheaper than the national average and 19% below the Minnesota state average of 82. International Falls is a smaller community of 5,728 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in International Falls's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $753 (43% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $115,000 (62% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in International Falls is $61,043, which is 19% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% 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 International Falls. The area sees an average annual temperature of 37.4°F, with summers averaging 63°F and winters around 9°F. Annual rainfall totals 25.4 inches spread over roughly 133 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Duluth, MN-WI (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.