Before you decide to relocate to Minnesota, it’s important to research the exact cost of living around the state. And that’s what we’re going to help you do.
These are the places in Minnesota that cost a pretty penny — the most expensive cities in the state.
We used Saturday Night Science to compare the 2020-2024 American Community Survey on cost of living for the 151 places in Minnesota with more than 5,000 people.
After we saved up for months and could finally afford it, we landed on this list of the ten most expensive cities in Minnesota for 2026.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
The 10 Most Expensive Places To Live In Minnesota For 2026
What’s the most expensive place to live in Minnesota? Well, HomeSnacks crunched the numbers and discovered that Orono is the most expensive place to live in Minnesota.
Virginia (the cheapest place to live in Minnesota) can show these guys how to live on a budget in the coming years. Read on for how these places had costs rise faster than inflation.
And if you already knew these places were expensive, check out some more reading about Minnesota and the most expensive cities in the country:
The 10 Most Expensive Places To Live In Minnesota For 2026
/10
Population: 8,195
Cost Of Living Index: 174
Median Income: $173,527
Average Home Price: $1,113,974
Home Price To Income Ratio: 6.4x
More on Orono: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Orono is 174. The median income in Orono comes in at $173,527 and the average home value is $1,113,974 for 2026.
/10
Population: 5,179
Cost Of Living Index: 173
Median Income: $231,742
Average Home Price: $936,794
Home Price To Income Ratio: 4.0x
More on North Oaks: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in North Oaks is 173. The median income in North Oaks comes in at $231,742 and the average home value is $936,794 for 2026.
/10
Population: 7,647
Cost Of Living Index: 148
Median Income: $171,063
Average Home Price: $804,464
Home Price To Income Ratio: 4.7x
More on Shorewood: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Shorewood is 148. The median income in Shorewood comes in at $171,063 and the average home value is $804,464 for 2026.
/10
Population: 8,708
Cost Of Living Index: 147
Median Income: $163,051
Average Home Price: $684,704
Home Price To Income Ratio: 4.2x
More on Minnetrista: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Minnetrista is 147. The median income in Minnetrista comes in at $163,051 and the average home value is $684,704 for 2026.
/10
Population: 6,968
Cost Of Living Index: 145
Median Income: $230,859
Average Home Price: $832,021
Home Price To Income Ratio: 3.6x
More on Medina: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Medina is 145. The median income in Medina comes in at $230,859 and the average home value is $832,021 for 2026.
/10
Population: 53,262
Cost Of Living Index: 141
Median Income: $128,767
Average Home Price: $615,641
Home Price To Income Ratio: 4.8x
More on Edina: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Edina is 141. The median income in Edina comes in at $128,767 and the average home value is $615,641 for 2026.
/10
Population: 11,295
Cost Of Living Index: 133
Median Income: $195,639
Average Home Price: $608,561
Home Price To Income Ratio: 3.1x
More on Victoria: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Victoria is 133. The median income in Victoria comes in at $195,639 and the average home value is $608,561 for 2026.
/10
Population: 13,140
Cost Of Living Index: 132
Median Income: $153,669
Average Home Price: $618,480
Home Price To Income Ratio: 4.0x
More on Lake Elmo: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Lake Elmo is 132. The median income in Lake Elmo comes in at $153,669 and the average home value is $618,480 for 2026.
/10
Population: 7,302
Cost Of Living Index: 131
Median Income: $133,423
Average Home Price: $601,129
Home Price To Income Ratio: 4.5x
More on Corcoran: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Corcoran is 131. The median income in Corcoran comes in at $133,423 and the average home value is $601,129 for 2026.
/10
Population: 63,051
Cost Of Living Index: 128
Median Income: $130,489
Average Home Price: $501,362
Home Price To Income Ratio: 3.8x
More on Eden Prairie: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
The overall cost of living in Eden Prairie is 128. The median income in Eden Prairie comes in at $130,489 and the average home value is $501,362 for 2026.
Methodology: How We Determined The Most Expensive Places To Live In The North Star State For 2026
The two most important things to think about when it comes to being able to afford a city in Minnesota are:
- How much money do I make?
- How much do I have to spend to live there?
You need to understand your costs in the context of how much money you make.
For example, if the median household earns $100,000 and spends $40,000 on housing, it’s actually cheaper to live there than a place with a median income of $50,000 and housing costs of $21,000. You might spend more on housing, but you have more money overall to play with.
With that example in mind, we derived several statistics from the latest Census American Community Survey 2020-2024 around incomes and costs. They are:
- Overall Cost Of Living Index
- Median Home Price / Median Income (lower is better)
- Median Income / Median Rent (Higher is better)
- Median Home Price
You can then compare these metrics in each of the places in Minnesota to figure out which is the most expensive.
You are left with a “Cost of Living Index” by taking the average rank of each of these metrics for each city.
So we used that cost of living index to rank all of the 151 places in Minnesota that have more than 5,000 people.
The place with the highest cost of living in Minnesota according to the data is Orono. We updated this article for 2026. This article is our eleventh time ranking the most expensive places to live in Minnesota.
Summary: Taking A Chunk Out Of Your Paycheck In Minnesota For 2026
Well, there you have it, the places in Minnesota that have the highest cost of living, with Orono ranking as the most expensive city in the North Star State.
The most expensive cities in Minnesota are Orono, North Oaks, Shorewood, Minnetrista, Medina, Edina, Victoria, Lake Elmo, Corcoran, and Eden Prairie.
Here’s a look at the most affordable cities in Minnesota according to the data:
- Virginia
- Hibbing
- Redwood Falls
For more Minnesota reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Minnesota
- Cheapest Places To Live In Minnesota
- Most Dangerous Cities In Minnesota
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Minnesota
- Safest Places In Minnesota
- Worst Places To Live In Minnesota
Most Expensive Cities In Minnesota
| Rank | City | Cost Of Living | Population | Median Income | Average Home Price | Home/Income Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orono | 174 | 8,195 | $173,527 | $1,113,974 | 6.4x |
| 2 | North Oaks | 173 | 5,179 | $231,742 | $936,794 | 4.0x |
| 3 | Shorewood | 148 | 7,647 | $171,063 | $804,464 | 4.7x |
| 4 | Minnetrista | 147 | 8,708 | $163,051 | $684,704 | 4.2x |
| 5 | Medina | 145 | 6,968 | $230,859 | $832,021 | 3.6x |
| 6 | Edina | 141 | 53,262 | $128,767 | $615,641 | 4.8x |
| 7 | Victoria | 133 | 11,295 | $195,639 | $608,561 | 3.1x |
| 8 | Lake Elmo | 132 | 13,140 | $153,669 | $618,480 | 4.0x |
| 9 | Corcoran | 131 | 7,302 | $133,423 | $601,129 | 4.5x |
| 10 | Eden Prairie | 128 | 63,051 | $130,489 | $501,362 | 3.8x |
| 11 | Chanhassen | 128 | 26,006 | $143,651 | $548,742 | 3.8x |
| 12 | Minnetonka | 127 | 53,064 | $119,517 | $483,591 | 4.0x |
| 13 | Mendota Heights | 126 | 11,612 | $132,768 | $562,136 | 4.2x |
| 14 | Mahtomedi | 126 | 8,133 | $123,319 | $478,624 | 3.9x |
| 15 | Plymouth | 124 | 79,220 | $136,534 | $508,712 | 3.7x |
| 16 | Rogers | 124 | 13,685 | $158,750 | $458,982 | 2.9x |
| 17 | Dayton | 123 | 9,095 | $148,947 | $509,218 | 3.4x |
| 18 | Lakeville | 122 | 74,354 | $139,041 | $487,882 | 3.5x |
| 19 | Andover | 122 | 33,035 | $137,593 | $435,598 | 3.2x |
| 20 | Golden Valley | 122 | 21,725 | $108,772 | $437,256 | 4.0x |
| 21 | Carver | 122 | 6,239 | $147,697 | $493,732 | 3.3x |
| 22 | Savage | 121 | 32,889 | $125,513 | $427,462 | 3.4x |
| 23 | Woodbury | 120 | 78,305 | $125,310 | $457,355 | 3.6x |
| 24 | Prior Lake | 120 | 28,016 | $134,255 | $525,577 | 3.9x |
| 25 | Oak Grove | 120 | 9,130 | $117,696 | $462,896 | 3.9x |
| 26 | Arden Hills | 118 | 9,658 | $134,118 | $477,165 | 3.6x |
| 27 | Maple Grove | 117 | 71,173 | $132,731 | $424,802 | 3.2x |
| 28 | Eagan | 117 | 68,000 | $108,690 | $401,217 | 3.7x |
| 29 | Rosemount | 117 | 27,562 | $129,625 | $432,777 | 3.3x |
| 30 | Ham Lake | 117 | 16,702 | $120,135 | $492,263 | 4.1x |
| 31 | Elko New Market | 117 | 5,002 | $152,150 | $472,661 | 3.1x |
| 32 | Minneapolis | 116 | 427,246 | $80,846 | $330,882 | 4.1x |
| 33 | St. Louis Park | 116 | 49,594 | $101,648 | $379,370 | 3.7x |
| 34 | Ramsey | 116 | 28,421 | $116,415 | $381,242 | 3.3x |
| 35 | Shoreview | 116 | 26,714 | $108,370 | $410,992 | 3.8x |
| 36 | Otsego | 116 | 22,245 | $119,927 | $418,193 | 3.5x |
| 37 | St. Anthony | 116 | 9,671 | $97,363 | $396,788 | 4.1x |
| 38 | Falcon Heights | 116 | 5,085 | $96,528 | $412,531 | 4.3x |
| 39 | Cottage Grove | 115 | 40,992 | $120,791 | $396,380 | 3.3x |
| 40 | Lino Lakes | 115 | 22,113 | $127,181 | $447,709 | 3.5x |
| 41 | Forest Lake | 115 | 20,729 | $92,944 | $421,551 | 4.5x |
| 42 | Hugo | 115 | 16,340 | $116,228 | $432,375 | 3.7x |
| 43 | Blaine | 114 | 72,488 | $106,801 | $378,016 | 3.5x |
| 44 | Burnsville | 114 | 64,463 | $87,024 | $368,611 | 4.2x |
| 45 | Apple Valley | 114 | 55,679 | $97,673 | $376,121 | 3.9x |
| 46 | Shakopee | 114 | 46,012 | $107,223 | $403,598 | 3.8x |
| 47 | Inver Grove Heights | 114 | 35,906 | $101,316 | $374,323 | 3.7x |
| 48 | Chaska | 114 | 28,706 | $110,956 | $479,348 | 4.3x |
| 49 | Waconia | 114 | 13,434 | $111,031 | $458,547 | 4.1x |
| 50 | Hermantown | 114 | 10,218 | $90,849 | $416,549 | 4.6x |
| 51 | Roseville | 113 | 35,802 | $86,930 | $374,911 | 4.3x |
| 52 | New Brighton | 113 | 22,710 | $88,521 | $380,079 | 4.3x |
| 53 | Stillwater | 113 | 19,355 | $105,853 | $445,501 | 4.2x |
| 54 | Bloomington | 112 | 88,665 | $93,211 | $361,589 | 3.9x |
| 55 | Farmington | 112 | 23,902 | $123,673 | $400,170 | 3.2x |
| 56 | St. Michael | 112 | 20,010 | $131,274 | $426,651 | 3.3x |
| 57 | Hopkins | 112 | 18,819 | $75,234 | $330,893 | 4.4x |
| 58 | East Bethel | 112 | 12,115 | $110,000 | $414,303 | 3.8x |
| 59 | Champlin | 111 | 23,294 | $116,102 | $370,691 | 3.2x |
| 60 | New Hope | 110 | 21,181 | $77,662 | $350,939 | 4.5x |
| 61 | Jordan | 110 | 6,771 | $110,057 | $437,126 | 4.0x |
| 62 | Chisago City | 110 | 5,899 | $102,197 | $435,543 | 4.3x |
| 63 | Oakdale | 109 | 28,585 | $93,772 | $353,330 | 3.8x |
| 64 | Vadnais Heights | 109 | 12,838 | $98,685 | $370,284 | 3.8x |
| 65 | Mound | 109 | 9,107 | $86,675 | $378,826 | 4.4x |
| 66 | New Prague | 109 | 8,237 | $94,539 | $350,350 | 3.7x |
| 67 | Wyoming | 109 | 8,087 | $107,565 | $387,740 | 3.6x |
| 68 | Byron | 109 | 6,646 | $124,010 | $398,896 | 3.2x |
| 69 | Rochester | 108 | 122,330 | $89,389 | $339,454 | 3.8x |
| 70 | Brooklyn Park | 108 | 83,876 | $89,891 | $347,072 | 3.9x |
| 71 | White Bear Lake | 108 | 23,908 | $83,554 | $355,724 | 4.3x |
| 72 | Delano | 108 | 6,942 | $109,946 | $435,729 | 4.0x |
| 73 | Maplewood | 107 | 40,695 | $91,394 | $342,804 | 3.8x |
| 74 | Little Canada | 107 | 10,514 | $77,957 | $362,745 | 4.7x |
| 75 | St. Francis | 107 | 8,372 | $111,198 | $346,284 | 3.1x |
| 76 | Coon Rapids | 106 | 63,468 | $88,251 | $325,994 | 3.7x |
| 77 | Richfield | 106 | 36,642 | $85,132 | $347,411 | 4.1x |
| 78 | Elk River | 106 | 26,793 | $108,741 | $391,288 | 3.6x |
| 79 | Big Lake | 106 | 12,367 | $120,549 | $368,167 | 3.1x |
| 80 | Albertville | 106 | 8,207 | $132,734 | $375,309 | 2.8x |
| 81 | Fridley | 105 | 30,241 | $77,680 | $318,918 | 4.1x |
| 82 | Hastings | 105 | 22,117 | $93,998 | $378,759 | 4.0x |
| 83 | Sartell | 105 | 19,758 | $84,131 | $338,332 | 4.0x |
| 84 | Monticello | 105 | 14,858 | $79,534 | $325,077 | 4.1x |
| 85 | Mounds View | 105 | 12,926 | $90,009 | $341,297 | 3.8x |
| 86 | North St. Paul | 105 | 12,570 | $84,797 | $325,855 | 3.8x |
| 87 | North Branch | 105 | 11,565 | $90,456 | $349,509 | 3.9x |
| 88 | Columbia Heights | 104 | 22,155 | $73,691 | $295,929 | 4.0x |
| 89 | Robbinsdale | 104 | 14,234 | $88,252 | $313,987 | 3.6x |
| 90 | North Mankato | 104 | 14,211 | $80,791 | $310,328 | 3.8x |
| 91 | Baxter | 104 | 8,966 | $70,688 | $364,189 | 5.2x |
| 92 | Zimmerman | 104 | 6,546 | $85,645 | $330,831 | 3.9x |
| 93 | St. Paul | 103 | 307,284 | $73,394 | $293,972 | 4.0x |
| 94 | Crystal | 103 | 22,476 | $92,513 | $318,582 | 3.4x |
| 95 | West St. Paul | 103 | 21,382 | $68,464 | $317,548 | 4.6x |
| 96 | Northfield | 103 | 20,742 | $84,895 | $385,011 | 4.5x |
| 97 | Anoka | 103 | 17,970 | $75,948 | $326,596 | 4.3x |
| 98 | Isanti | 103 | 7,210 | $87,500 | $328,359 | 3.8x |
| 99 | St. Paul Park | 103 | 5,457 | $100,642 | $314,769 | 3.1x |
| 100 | Brooklyn Center | 102 | 32,479 | $72,535 | $297,384 | 4.1x |