Cost of Living in Minnesota: Expected Expenses Guide

Are you considering a move to a vibrant place in Minnesota? A vibrant state located in the Upper Midwest region of the  United States. It is often called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes and is well known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. Minnesota offers diverse attractions and experiences for residents and visitors alike. Before you pack your luggage, it’s important to understand the average cost of living in Minnesota. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss various aspects of the living expenses in Minnesota, such as housing rent, monthly local transportation costs, healthcare for general checkups, grocery costs, and overall affordability. It will help you get an idea of the cost of living in the Minnesota budget. Without further delay, let’s begin our discussion. 

Cost of Living in Minnesota

Managing the cost of living in Minnesota is a key factor to consider when migrating to Minnesota. The average cost of living in Minnesota for a single person in a month is around USD 4,409 without rent. It is approximately 5% lower than the national average. These expenses depend on various factors like the location you choose, the lifestyle you live, your family size, and your personal preferences. Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in Minnesota across various categories:

Costs of Rent in Minnesota

One major part of Minnesota’s cost of living is housing rent. Be prepared for higher price tags if you want to buy or rent an apartment. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Minnesota costs around USD 1,669 per month near the city centre, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to USD 2,727.

The Housing rent cost depends on several factors, such as location, size, lifestyle, etc., The following table compares the cost of renting apartments within and outside the city centre:

Apartment Location	Approx Monthly Cost
One-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	USD 1,669
Affordable One-bedroom Apartment	USD 1,214
Three -bedroom Apartment in the City	USD 2,727
Affordable Three -bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	USD 1,963

Also Read: Cost of Living in Sheffield: A Guide

Cost of a Utility in Minnesota

Utility costs in Minnesota are comparable to the national average, so planning your budget is crucial. On average, people in Minnesota spend around USD 170 per month on basic utilities, which cover electricity, water, heating, garbage collection, and more. Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown of utility expenses in Minnesota.

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utilities for 85m² Apartment(Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	USD 170.57
Monthly Mobile Phone Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)	USD 49.50
Internet Subscription (60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	US 65.53

Cost of Grocery in Minnesota

An individual’s grocery bill in Minnesota is around USD 114, factoring in various staple items at a standard unit measurement. This sum encompasses bread, milk, water, fresh produce, and other consumables. Notably, grocery expenses here often trend lower than the state’s overall cost of living in Minnesota, making it a budget-friendly option. Refer to the table below for a breakdown of average grocery costs in Minnesota:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	USD 0.95
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	USD 4.01
Rice (white), (1kg)	Milk (regular), (1 litre)
Eggs (regular) (12)	USD 3.62
Apples (1kg)	USD 6.12
Banana (1kg)	USD 2
Oranges (1kg)	USD 4.67
Tomato (1kg)	USD 6.01
Potato (1kg)	USD 3.19
Onion (1kg)	USD 3.50
Water (1 liter bottle)	USD 1.75
Meat, Egg, Drinks and Other items	USD 71

Restaurant Costs in Minnesota 

Discover many dining options in Minnesota, where tasty meals come at wallet-friendly prices. For a meal of two people in a casual restaurant, it is around USD 80. However, this cost covers the overall cost of living in Minnesota. Explore the table below for a breakdown of restaurant expenses across the state, and enjoy the flavours of Minnesota without exceeding the budget limit.

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal at Lunch	USD 20
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2 person	USD 80
Meal that is equiv. to McDonald’s	USD 10
Beer in a Pub, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz	USD 7
Cappuccino	USD 5.78

Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense

Transportation costs in Minnesota 

Explore the diverse modes of transportation options available in Minnesota, from boats, cars, trains, etc., for short journeys within the state; a one-way ticket typically sets you back around USD 2.5. However, the transportation expenses come under the cost of living in Minnesota. Delve into the table below for further insights:

Transportation Option	Average Cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	USD 2.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	USD 90.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	USD 5.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	USD 1.55
Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	USD 50.00
Gasoline (1 litre)	USD 0.93

Cost of Healthcare in Minnesota

Taking care of your health is a top priority for you, especially when moving to a new place like Minnesota. Understanding healthcare costs there is important. A visit to the doctor usually costs about USD 117, and a week’s worth of cold medicine might cost around USD 7.91.

Average Tuition Fees in Minnesota

Along with the cost of living in Minnesota, figuring out the average tuition fees at the Universities of Minnesota is an essential task. The average tuition fee at the Universities In Minnesota ranges around USD 36,402. The table below gives details for each program, fee, and university.

Name of University	Approx Tuition fees per year
University of Minnesota	USD 50,339
St. Cloud State University	USD 33,951
Minnesota State University Moorhead	USD 27,500
Capella University	USD 50,000

Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide

Things to Know When Moving to Minnesota

If you’re considering moving to Minnesota, there’s more to consider than just the cost of living in Minnesota. Here are a few important things for students to consider before making the move:

People of Minnesota

After moving to Minnesota, don’t be shocked if you see the friendly behaviour of Minnesota people near you. You may have heard the phrase “Minnesota Nice”, which refers to the polite and mild-mannered behaviour of Minnesota’s people

Weather in Minnesota

In Minnesota, temperatures vary widely throughout the year, ranging from -11°C chilly lows in January to 23°C comfortable highs in July, offering citizens a diverse experience of all amazing seasons.

Jobs in Minnesota

Minnesota has strong worker-friendly policies, and the average salary for employers is around USD 4,638.48. However, It had the lowest unemployment rate last year and Minnesota struggles to attract new residents, and the state’s economic projections for private-sector employment and productivity rates are underwhelming.

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Minnesota. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.