Cost of Living in La Crescent, MN

With a cost of living index of 84, La Crescent, MN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 16% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Minnesota state average. La Crescent is a smaller community of 5,266 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in La Crescent's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,059 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $244,500 (20% 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 La Crescent is $82,109, which is 9% higher 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to La Crescent. 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.