Cost of Living in Melrose, MN

With a cost of living index of 80, Melrose, MN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 3% below the Minnesota state average of 82. Melrose is a small community of 3,608 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Melrose's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,061 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $198,300 (35% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Melrose is $58,107, which is 23% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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 Melrose. 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.

Everyday prices in the St. Cloud, 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.