Cost of Living in Mountain Lake, MN

With a cost of living index of 69, Mountain Lake, MN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the Minnesota state average of 82. Mountain Lake is a small community of 1,833 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mountain Lake's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $833 (37% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $118,900 (61% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Mountain Lake is $59,115, which is 21% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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 Mountain Lake. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44.6°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 18°F. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches spread over roughly 106 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.