Cost of Living in St. Cloud, MN

With a cost of living index of 79, St. Cloud, MN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 3% below the Minnesota state average of 82. With a population of 69,926, St. Cloud is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in St. Cloud's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,005 (24% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $212,800 (30% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in St. Cloud is $61,112, which is 19% 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 St. Cloud. The area sees an average annual temperature of 42.9°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 15°F. Annual rainfall totals 28.5 inches spread over roughly 111 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.