Cost of Living in Bemidji, MN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,086 (excluding rent), and $2,548 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,442 (excluding rent), and $4,799 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.94 $14.94

$12.95 $12.95

$16.94 $16.94

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.2 $66.2

$61.2 $61.2

$76.4 $76.4

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.85 $10.85

$9.81 $9.81

$13.81 $13.81

Cappuccino

$4.85 $4.85

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

$2.46 $2.46

$1.97 $1.97

$2.95 $2.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.51 $1.51

$3.02 $3.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.27 $5.27

$5.02 $5.02

$5.52 $5.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.33 $6.33

$3.65 $3.65

$7.79 $7.79

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.96 $0.96

$1.10 $1.10

White Bread (500g)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.33 $1.33

$2.69 $2.69

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.39 $4.39

$2.11 $2.11

$8.69 $8.69

Eggs

$4.09 $4.09

$1.95 $1.95

$6.82 $6.82

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.30 $12.30

$7.02 $7.02

$22.12 $22.12

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.57 $11.57

$6.17 $6.17

$19.96 $19.96

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.65 $15.65

$10.06 $10.06

$24.60 $24.60

Apples (1kg)

$4.82 $4.82

$2.51 $2.51

$8.66 $8.66

Banana (1kg)

$1.64 $1.64

$1.13 $1.13

$4.27 $4.27

Oranges (1kg)

$4.14 $4.14

$2.14 $2.14

$8.59 $8.59

Tomato (1kg)

$4.59 $4.59

$2.14 $2.14

$8.56 $8.56

Potato (1kg)

$2.80 $2.80

$1.30 $1.30

$6.06 $6.06

Onion (1kg)

$2.81 $2.81

$1.81 $1.81

$4.37 $4.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.38 $1.38

$2.97 $2.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.09 $2.09

$1.17 $1.17

$3.16 $3.16

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.69 $9.69

$8.08 $8.08

$12.12 $12.12

Wine (Bottle)

$15.09 $15.09

$10.05 $10.05

$25.15 $25.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$1.71 $1.71

$2.83 $2.83

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.34 $3.34

$1.59 $1.59

$5.97 $5.97

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.24 $1.24

$1.99 $1.99

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.40 $3.40

$2.92 $2.92

$4.86 $4.86

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.65 $1.65

$1.58 $1.58

$2.21 $2.21

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.44 $29.44

$26.62 $26.62

$35.30 $35.30

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.68 $0.68

$0.94 $0.94

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

$29.9K $29.9K

$23.9K $23.9K

$36.4K $36.4K

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

$25.7K $25.7K

$25.1K $25.1K

$27.1K $27.1K

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

$187 $187

$119 $119

$341 $341

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

$53.8 $53.8

$30.58 $30.58

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$83.9 $83.9

$69.1 $69.1

$98.7 $98.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.85 $43.85

$17.85 $17.85

$51.0 $51.0

Cinema Ticket

$13.41 $13.41

$10.93 $10.93

$17.88 $17.88

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

$1,291 $1,291

$994 $994

$1,836 $1,836

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.8K $23.8K

$17.0K $17.0K

$27.6K $27.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.0 $51.0

$29.91 $29.91

$79.8 $79.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.50 $40.50

$25.31 $25.31

$65.8 $65.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$87.8 $87.8

$60.8 $60.8

$132 $132

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 $110

$63.1 $63.1

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,626 $1,626

$1,218 $1,218

$1,885 $1,885

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,341 $1,341

$991 $991

$1,486 $1,486

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,430 $1,430

$1,373 $1,373

$1,487 $1,487

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,249 $2,249

$1,721 $1,721

$2,530 $2,530

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,708 $2,708

$1,971 $1,971

$2,708 $2,708

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,375 $2,375

$1,922 $1,922

$2,375 $2,375

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,146 $5,146

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

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

Last update: March 2, 2026

Bemidji, MN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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 Bemidji, MN - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Bemidji, MN, United States tends to be moderate for a small Midwest city. You might find that daily expenses align with local wages and seasonal tourism, making it manageable for long stays if you plan ahead. Housing is typically more affordable than metro areas, but utilities – especially heating in winter – can be a notable factor. The city offers a walkable downtown, access to lakes, and a laid-back pace, which many travelers and remote workers value. For value, consider staying in smaller rental units or shared housing near campus areas or the lakefront. Tip: explore monthly rental options and off-season deals to stretch your budget.

Daily life in Bemidji is approachable for a nomad who prioritizes practicality. Start your housing search near the university area or lakefront to be within walking distance of shops and cafes. Food options range from local markets to casual eateries that emphasize comfort foods and seasonal produce. Transport is often car-focused, with easy access to weekend trips around the lake region; if you rely on public options, budgeting time around the weekly schedule matters. Co-working spaces exist but vary by season, so consider flexible setups and remote-friendly venues. Bemidji living cost varies by neighborhood and utility needs; plan for heating in colder months. Tip: try short-term leases to test a neighborhood first.

Bemidji offers a strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreation, which can inform budgeting decisions. Use a simple monthly framework: fixed costs (housing, utilities in winter, insurance), flexible spending (groceries, dining out), and savings for seasonal travel or equipment. In winter, heating costs and bundled gear are common considerations; in summer, lake activities and festivals reshape crowds and prices. Neighborhood fit matters: Downtown and university-adjacent areas are walkable with amenities, while lakeside zones emphasize scenery and slower pace. To save, look for all-inclusive leases, compare utility-inclusive options, and consider multi-use spaces for work and leisure. Tip: align your housing with your actual work schedule and social needs to reduce commutes.