Best Affordable Places to Live in Minnesota in 2024

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A charming mid-sized city spanning three counties and tucked just 90 minutes southwest of Minneapolis, Mankato has a lot going for it — in addition to a cost of living about 6% lower than the American average. Outdoorsy adventurers will enjoy excursions to Minneopa Falls and the Mount Kato ski bowl, while historic homes, parks, breweries, and more mean there’s never a shortage of things to do in town.

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The (slightly) smaller twin of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, not to mention the state’s capital, St. Paul beckons for a variety of reasons — not least of which are its affordable housing and bustling downtown. Residents can enjoy easy access to the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Como Park Zoo, as well as diverse neighborhoods speckled with character-filled historic architecture.

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The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is a metropolis that boasts plenty of job opportunities across fields ranging from healthcare to finance to manufacturing. Plus, as home to the University of Minnesota, the city provides ample educational opportunities for anyone looking to brush up on their skills or get a new start. The presence of the college also brings plenty of art and culture through the city, and the international airport here serves as a portal to the rest of the world.

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For those who dream of leaving big-city life behind and finding a space of paradise along the Mississippi River, St. Cloud could be a solid choice. About an hour and 15 minutes northwest of Minneapolis, this town is known for being home to St. Cloud University, which brings not only job and educational opportunities but also plenty of vibrant, cultural energy to the mid-sized town.

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For those looking for a smaller-town feel, Northfield offers the dual incentives of low cost of living and welcoming community. Despite its small size, Northfield boasts a substantial handful of art galleries and theaters, as well as two liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf and Carleton. Finally, the town is within a stone’s throw of bigger communities like Rochester and Minneapolis, which can help residents round out job opportunities and social activities.

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While Maple Grove has the highest cost of living on our entire list (still only 2% higher than the U.S. average), we had to include it because families are drawn here for its well-regarded public schools, in particular those in the Wayzata Public School District. Beyond that, the suburb is within easy reach of Minneapolis and all its many to-dos, as well as outdoorsy adventures outside of the city.

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Another Minneapolis suburb located on the other side of town, Eagan ranked high on our list. Families like the solid public schools and lower-than-average cost of living here. The town is home to plenty of outdoor recreation options and playgrounds suited for children, not to mention abundant playmates: Nearly a third of its households have children.

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St. Cloud has a smaller-town feel that leans closer to the “village” it takes to raise kids. About 27% of its households have children, and the town offers plenty of family friendly activities, including an indoor trampoline park and beloved bowling alley. Parents also are attracted to its well-rated school system. For parents, abundant job opportunities combined with a low cost of living make living in St. Cloud a win-win.

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Along with scoring the top spot on our general list, Mankato makes the list for families, too — this time owing to its cost of living combined with its educational and outdoor recreational offerings. Residents have easy access to Sibley Park and Minneopa State Park, where kids can learn to appreciate all of nature’s wonders, and yearly events like the River Ramble and Kiwanis Holiday Lights make it easy to get out of the house and in on the fun.

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For parents who believe life is better on the lake, Duluth offers ample opportunities to raise a family in an affordable setting. A mid-sized city tucked close to other communities, Duluth has lots of opportunities for kids and adults alike, including educational yet fun attractions like the Great Lakes Aquarium and Glensheen Mansion. The yearly Duluth Airshow will keep little engineers gazing upwards, while job opportunities in healthcare, education, and hospitality will keep parents gainfully busy.

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All of the action of Minneapolis at a slightly lower price tag — and meanwhile, the two towns are only 20 minutes apart, which means young adults who move to St. Paul get double the career and dating opportunities. No wonder the city’s median age is just 32.7.

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For young adults seeking the coziness of a mid-sized town, Duluth has a draw with its twin attractions of scenic surroundings and a low cost of living. Plus, its median age is just 33.9, and about half of its households are singletons. What better place to take a date than the Lake Superior waterfront?

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With a median age in the mid-30s and about 70% of its households without children, Rochester offers opportunities for single young adults despite its size — and for those in healthcare, ample career opportunities as the birthplace of the renowned Mayo Clinic.

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Yet again, Mankato makes our list, this time for young adults who would benefit from a smaller-town feel coupled with an affordable cost of living. Given its status as home to Minnesota State University, there are always new faces coming through despite its size, and the access to outdoor recreation is unparalleled in the state. Plus, the Twin Cities are a relatively easy drive whenever the resources of a bigger city are desired.

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A vibrant, up-and-coming community just a short way west of Minneapolis, Hutchinson is the kind of small town young adults with vision can get into and make better. Its small but charming downtown has plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants to choose from — and opportunities for younger adults looking to make their mark.

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Not every community has something on offer for both young adults and retirees — but not every community is Rochester. Some 15% of its population is age 65 and over, and since it’s the headquarter city for the Mayo Clinic, quality healthcare options are never far from home.

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With an active population of older adults who find community and recreation through the town’s many programs for seniors, Mankato might be a fine place to while away one’s golden years without spending every dime of retirement savings. The mid-sized population is cozy enough without getting boring.

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A small, scenic, and historic town tucked along the banks of the Mississippi River, Winona keeps residents of all ages young with the presence of its college community. University students also ensure the town gets more than its fair share of art and culture for a community of its size — and, of course, all of this is at a cost of living 16% lower than the national average.

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It might not seem like a coincidence that Alexandria shares a name with the famous historic site of so much Egyptian art and culture: Along with its scenic surroundings, the town and its neighboring communities are home to many artists who display and sell their works in local galleries. Fun yearly events like the September Grape Stomp keep life juicy.

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Nearly a quarter of Albert Lea’s population is aged 65 or over, which makes this small town one that’s full of new friends for seniors. The town’s Senior Center organizes a variety of events and activities that keep older adults moving, and everything’s a little easier with a cost of living 21% lower than the U.S. average.

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If you should ever grow tired of the Mississippi waterfront, take heart: Winona also offers theater, galleries, museums, and more for those in need of indoorsy fun. With the bigger city of Rochester close at hand, this small town truly offers everything one could need.

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Living along Lake Superior is its own reward, and Duluth residents can also appreciate its many indoorsy attractions when the weather grows cold. (Or they can double down and take to the shores of the lake for some ice fishing.)

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Yes, there’s a Grand Rapids in Minnesota, too — and this one is named for the three-and-a-half-mile long stretch of rapids in the nearby Mississippi River. A smaller town with a population of only 11,000 or so, it also boasts a cost of living 18% lower than the U.S. average.

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Another Mississippi-side small town, Red Wing bears the distinction of being located just an hour outside of the Twin Cities, so its residents can benefit from big-city to-dos, too. Plus a cost of living 11% lower than the national average makes it eminently affordable for many.

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A tightly knit community tucked along the shores of Detroit Lake (and surrounded by many, many others), Detroit Lake offers a peaceful and quiet place to call home within an easy reach of beautiful natural landscapes. Its deep Minnesota interior location means the bright lights of big cities are far away — which translates to glorious night skies, when it’s clear.