Cost of Living in Orono, MN

With a cost of living index of 165, Orono, MN is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 65% more expensive than the national average and 82% above the Minnesota state average of 82. Orono is a smaller community of 8,205 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orono's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,653 (25% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $952,400 (212% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.2x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Orono is $181,875, which is 142% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Orono. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.7°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 19°F. Annual rainfall totals 30.6 inches spread over roughly 107 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher 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.