Cost of Living in Winona, MN

With a cost of living index of 75, Winona, MN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the Minnesota state average of 82. With a population of 25,998, Winona 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 Winona's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $839 (36% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $193,500 (37% 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 Winona is $56,163, which is 25% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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 Winona. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.8°F, with summers averaging 73°F and winters around 22°F. Annual rainfall totals 35.2 inches spread over roughly 123 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.