Direct Answer
Duluth, MN has a CostOfCity index of 96, which is 4% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,087/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,607/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Duluth: The Full Picture
What does it cost to live in Duluth, MN? The honest answer depends on your lifestyle, but the data gives clear guideposts. With an insurance-and-finance economy where actuarial tables and mutual funds quietly power a comfortable middle class and a median household income of $47K, this midwestern city offers a specific economic profile. We cover 62 cost categories, each calibrated for Duluth's local conditions.
Duluth has an insurance-and-finance economy where actuarial tables and mutual funds quietly power a comfortable middle class
The housing market features a housing market that gives you more square footage per dollar than either coast
Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Budget accordingly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy..
Duluth's cost index of 96 puts it right near the national average — a balanced market where you get a fair deal on most categories without sticker shock.
💰 Purchasing Power in Duluth
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Duluth, your dollar buys 4% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Duluth Costs More
🔽 Where Duluth Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Duluth
What it actually costs to live in Duluth each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Duluth's cost index of 96 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Duluth's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Highway corridors and school district boundaries drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Duluth vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Duluth
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
+1%HVAC Installation
-6%Plumbing Services
-12%Electrical Work
-28%Kitchen Remodel
-20%Bathroom Remodel
-14%House Painting
-7%Flooring Installation
-2%Landscaping
-12%Fence Installation
-20%Window Replacement
+6%Solar Panel Installation
-4%Water Heater Replacement
-25%Deck Building
+11%Pool Installation
+5%Tree Removal
-21%Garage Door Repair
-12%💼 Business Startup Costs in Duluth
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-4%Start a Coffee Shop
-3%Start a Food Truck
+3%Start a Gym
-1%Start a Daycare
-8%Start a Hair Salon
-9%Start a Laundromat
+2%Start a Bakery
-3%Start a Bar
+15%Start a Cleaning Business
0%Start an Airbnb
+6%Start a Trucking Business
-16%📊 Cost of Living in Duluth
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-10%Rent Prices
-23%Grocery Costs
+10%Utility Costs
-19%Transportation Costs
+14%Childcare Costs
-4%Gym Membership
-5%🛡️ Insurance in Duluth
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-26%Home Insurance
+1%Health Insurance
-26%Business Insurance
+11%Life Insurance
+6%Renters Insurance
0%Pet Insurance
-27%Dental Insurance
-32%Motorcycle Insurance
+5%⚖️ Legal Services in Duluth
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-19%Divorce Lawyer
+2%DUI Lawyer
-2%Immigration Lawyer
-27%Estate Planning Lawyer
-1%Workers Comp Lawyer
-17%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-25%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Duluth
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+7%Registered Nurse Salary
-6%Teacher Salary
+8%Electrician Salary
0%Plumber Salary
-18%Accountant Salary
-14%Physical Therapist Salary
-8%Police Officer Salary
+10%Dentist Salary
-21%Real Estate Agent Salary
-2%How Much Income Do You Need in Duluth?
✅ Best For
- Families seeking work-life balance
- Small business founders
- First-time homebuyers
- Young professionals starting out
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in niche industries with few local employers
- Those seeking big-city nightlife
Talk to current residents about hidden costs. The sticker savings are real — just factor in any commute or lifestyle adjustments. Local subreddits and Facebook groups are goldmines for this intel.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Duluth
How does Duluth compare to other cities in MN?
Within Minnesota, Duluth has a cost index of 96. Nearby options include St. Paul and Minneapolis, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Duluth, MN expensive to live in?
Duluth's cost of living index is 96, which is 4% below the national average of 100. Duluth is close to the national average in cost.
What is the median household income in Duluth?
The median household income in Duluth is approximately $47,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 96), this provides purchasing power roughly in line with the national average.
Explore Duluth in Depth
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