Cost of Living in Long Prairie, MN

With a cost of living index of 73, Long Prairie, MN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 27% cheaper than the national average and 9% below the Minnesota state average of 82. Long Prairie is a small community of 3,683 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Long Prairie's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $942 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $130,100 (57% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Long Prairie is $57,139, which is 24% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 Long Prairie. The area sees an average annual temperature of 42.5°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 14°F. Annual rainfall totals 24.1 inches spread over roughly 92 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.