Residents in Minnesota’s Central regional labor market can face different financial realities depending on the county they live in and, compared to other labor markets across the state, Central lands near the top of the cost spectrum.

The average cost of living for a household in Central Minnesota is about $69k per year for a typical Minnesota family, consisting of two adults with one full-time worker, one part-time worker and one child. That’s higher than in Southwest ($57k), Northwest ($60k), Northeast ($61k) and Southeast ($63K); but notably lower than the Twin Cities metro, which tops the list at $76.5k annually.

However, within the Central region, there’s wide variation:

• Sherburne County is the most expensive locally, averaging $75,708 per year.
• Benton and Stearns counties – home to the St. Cloud area – are more affordable, at around $62,500.
• Kandiyohi County offers one of the lowest costs in the region at $56,011.

Across Central Minnesota and the rest of the state, the largest contributors to household budgets are consistent: housing, childcare, food and transportation. However, their relative impact varies by region.

In Central Minnesota counties like Sherburne and Wright, housing costs are among the highest in the region, reflecting proximity to the Twin Cities and suburban growth. Families there often pay over $1,500 per month for housing. Meanwhile, counties like Kandiyohi and Renville offer lower housing costs, helping keep total living expenses under $60,000 per year.

Childcare is another major cost driver across all counties, particularly for families with multiple children – consistently exceeding $600 per month regardless of location. The southwestern area of Central Minnesota is more affordable, averaging roughly $650 for full-time care for one child, while counties to the east typically cost well over $800 per month.

Compared to the Twin Cities metro, where nearly every cost category is more expensive, Central Minnesota strikes a balance. The region’s cost structure blends elements of urban access and rural affordability, but for many families – especially those with children – high childcare and transportation costs continue to stretch household budgets thin.

Some solutions are within reach for Central Minnesota’s workers. Remote and hybrid work can help reduce childcare needs while keeping parents engaged in the labor force. Likewise, transportation costs can be trimmed when jobs are available closer to home, especially in occupations that match workers' skills and goals. As families evaluate their options and chart a course forward, the cost of living remains a key factor in how they navigate opportunity, stability and success in the region.

For more information about the cost of living in Central Minnesota, contact Luke Greiner at luke.greiner@state.mn.us.