Cost of Living in Albert Lea, MN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,004 (excluding rent), and $1,840 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,937 (excluding rent), and $3,677 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.75 $14.75

$12.79 $12.79

$19.67 $19.67

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$68.7 $68.7

$49.04 $49.04

$108 $108

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.39 $10.39

$8.91 $8.91

$11.88 $11.88

Cappuccino

$5.61 $5.61

$4.88 $4.88

$6.17 $6.17

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.89 $1.89

$1.23 $1.23

$2.95 $2.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.49 $1.49

$0.98 $0.98

$2.93 $2.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.53 $4.53

$3.02 $3.02

$6.04 $6.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.11 $6.11

$5.60 $5.60

$7.12 $7.12

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.46 $0.46

$1.24 $1.24

White Bread (500g)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.59 $1.59

$4.45 $4.45

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.22 $2.22

$2.05 $2.05

$6.67 $6.67

Eggs

$3.18 $3.18

$1.55 $1.55

$4.27 $4.27

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.88 $8.88

$16.47 $16.47

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.69 $10.69

$6.50 $6.50

$28.17 $28.17

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.19 $16.19

$9.55 $9.55

$26.71 $26.71

Apples (1kg)

$4.68 $4.68

$2.87 $2.87

$13.36 $13.36

Banana (1kg)

$1.20 $1.20

$1.10 $1.10

$1.32 $1.32

Oranges (1kg)

$5.32 $5.32

$2.77 $2.77

$13.27 $13.27

Tomato (1kg)

$4.62 $4.62

$2.13 $2.13

$7.01 $7.01

Potato (1kg)

$2.50 $2.50

$1.43 $1.43

$6.48 $6.48

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.07 $1.07

$6.43 $6.43

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.82 $1.82

$3.05 $3.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.16 $2.16

$1.95 $1.95

$3.91 $3.91

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.33 $9.33

$7.55 $7.55

$12.09 $12.09

Wine (Bottle)

$13.73 $13.73

$9.81 $9.81

$19.61 $19.61

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.71 $1.71

$3.17 $3.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.37 $3.37

$2.02 $2.02

$6.07 $6.07

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.28 $1.28

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.58 $3.58

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 $1.43

$1.27 $1.27

$1.58 $1.58

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$45.34 $45.34

$30.23 $30.23

$60.5 $60.5

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.72 $0.72

$0.92 $0.92

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$39.2K $39.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.0K $27.0K

$22.2K $22.2K

$27.0K $27.0K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$203 $203

$114 $114

$247 $247

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.7 $54.7

$24.79 $24.79

$94.2 $94.2

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70.1 $70.1

$49.17 $49.17

$98.3 $98.3

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.54 $43.54

$17.72 $17.72

$50.6 $50.6

Cinema Ticket

$12.92 $12.92

$9.12 $9.12

$16.54 $16.54

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$964 $964

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.6K $23.6K

$16.9K $16.9K

$27.4K $27.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$45.24 $45.24

$25.14 $25.14

$75.4 $75.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$25.35 $25.35

$122 $122

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$49.22 $49.22

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$60.2 $60.2

$50.2 $50.2

$251 $251

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,117 $1,117

$1,015 $1,015

$1,218 $1,218

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$736 $736

$687 $687

$785 $785

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,676 $1,676

$1,380 $1,380

$1,972 $1,972

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,237 $1,237

$891 $891

$1,583 $1,583

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,550 $2,550

$1,862 $1,862

$2,550 $2,550

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,515 $2,515

$2,074 $2,074

$2,515 $2,515

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,833 $2,833

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Albert Lea, MN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

342

Mbps

235

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Albert Lea, MN - Frequently Asked Questions

Albert Lea offers a small-city balance of value and access to nature, making it appealing for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want steady costs with practical conveniences. The Cost of Living in Albert Lea, MN, United States can guide expectations around housing and daily groceries, which tend to be more affordable than in larger metro areas while utilities stay predictable. Seasonal shifts affect lodging and leisure pricing, so plan for gentle fluctuations rather than dramatic swings. The city’s compact layout supports walkable neighborhoods, and a car opens up day trips to lakes and state parks. Tip: Plan a longer initial stay to explore neighborhoods and test daily routines.

Days here focus on practicality: housing search leans toward established neighborhoods near the lake for walkability or quieter streets a short drive from town centers. The Albert Lea, MN, United States living cost tends to be approachable compared with bigger cities, especially for groceries and utilities. Expect a mix of older stand-alone homes, modest apartments, and some newer rentals; schedules vary, so start early and use local listings and community boards. For transport, a car is helpful for errands and weekend getaways, though some neighborhoods are walkable and a few buses serve outlying areas. Co-working spaces appear seasonally and in shared offices. Tip: map a weekly route to minimize backtracking.

Quality of life here is about balance: lake access, quiet streets, and community events create a predictable rhythm that suits remote work and short visits. A practical budgeting approach centers on housing first, then groceries and utilities, with a buffer for seasonal weather and leisure. Neighborhood fit varies: the lakefront zones offer scenic walks and easy recreation, while downtown corridors deliver services and dining. Save by cooking at home, buying in-season produce, and taking advantage of local markets and seasonal festivals. Plan for seasonal shifts in crowds and traffic; a flexible schedule makes the most of shoulder seasons. Tip: spend a weekend wandering neighborhoods at different times to feel the vibe.