Cost of Living in St. Cloud, MN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $817 (excluding rent), and $2,472 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,914 (excluding rent), and $4,745 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.09 $18.09

$12.06 $12.06

$45.23 $45.23

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.6 $66.6

$60.5 $60.5

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.89 $9.89

$11.87 $11.87

Cappuccino

$5.25 $5.25

$3.06 $3.06

$7.14 $7.14

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

$2.82 $2.82

$2.06 $2.06

$4.12 $4.12

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.45 $2.45

$2.01 $2.01

$3.02 $3.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.83 $5.83

$3.69 $3.69

$7.77 $7.77

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.06 $7.06

$6.05 $6.05

$12.10 $12.10

Milk (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$1.36 $1.36

White Bread (500g)

$2.68 $2.68

$1.87 $1.87

$6.42 $6.42

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.22 $3.22

$2.55 $2.55

$4.91 $4.91

Eggs

$2.28 $2.28

$1.72 $1.72

$4.06 $4.06

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.95 $4.95

$17.86 $17.86

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.54 $9.54

$5.61 $5.61

$22.46 $22.46

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.04 $14.04

$11.89 $11.89

$21.61 $21.61

Apples (1kg)

$3.83 $3.83

$2.74 $2.74

$8.74 $8.74

Banana (1kg)

$1.15 $1.15

$1.05 $1.05

$3.85 $3.85

Oranges (1kg)

$3.26 $3.26

$13.01 $13.01

Tomato (1kg)

$2.15 $2.15

$7.98 $7.98

Potato (1kg)

$0.81 $0.81

$9.24 $9.24

Onion (1kg)

$1.60 $1.60

$6.42 $6.42

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.53 $1.53

$3.05 $3.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.82 $1.82

$1.08 $1.08

$2.46 $2.46

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.87 $9.87

$10.86 $10.86

Wine (Bottle)

$12.15 $12.15

$7.09 $7.09

$25.30 $25.30

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$4.40 $4.40

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.43 $4.43

$1.97 $1.97

$5.41 $5.41

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.28 $1.28

$2.05 $2.05

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.08 $5.08

$3.30 $3.30

$8.13 $8.13

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.41 $1.41

$1.25 $1.25

$1.56 $1.56

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.70 $28.70

$25.96 $25.96

$34.42 $34.42

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.74 $0.74

$0.94 $0.94

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

$36.0K $36.0K

$24.9K $24.9K

$36.6K $36.6K

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

$25.9K $25.9K

$25.3K $25.3K

$26.8K $26.8K

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

$224 $224

$127 $127

$309 $309

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

$48.14 $48.14

$32.70 $32.70

$99.1 $99.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$50.4 $50.4

$45.37 $45.37

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.53 $42.53

$17.31 $17.31

$49.46 $49.46

Cinema Ticket

$13.89 $13.89

$11.91 $11.91

$24.81 $24.81

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

$1,437 $1,437

$949 $949

$1,977 $1,977

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.7K $29.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$38.52 $38.52

$22.72 $22.72

$98.8 $98.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.43 $41.43

$29.59 $29.59

$64.1 $64.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.0 $86.0

$61.0 $61.0

$122 $122

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$129 $129

$60.6 $60.6

$202 $202

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,603 $1,603

$1,201 $1,201

$1,858 $1,858

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,378 $1,378

$1,018 $1,018

$1,528 $1,528

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,666 $2,666

$2,027 $2,027

$3,041 $3,041

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,233 $2,233

$1,708 $1,708

$2,512 $2,512

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,112 $6,112

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.43

6.8

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

St. Cloud, 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 St. Cloud, MN - Frequently Asked Questions

St. Cloud sits well for value seekers who want access to lakes, parks, and a smaller-city pace without metro-sized costs. Compared with bigger Midwest cities, Cost of Living in St. Cloud, MN, United States is relatively manageable, especially for housing and daily groceries. You’ll find a range of rentals from airy apartments near campus to family homes a short drive from the river, often with shorter lease terms than a major city. Public services are solid and community amenities abound, though you’ll notice fewer ultra-high-end options and more practical choices. Tip: Build your budget around housing plus heating during winter and you’ll stay comfortable without surprises.

Daily life centers on a compact downtown and easy access to outdoor spaces, with a mix of rentals near St. Cloud State University and quieter pockets a short drive away. Use local listings and in-person visits to gauge lease terms and what’s included. Grocery stores and farmers markets offer seasonal produce, and you’ll find a practical cafe-and-coffee-shop scene for work days. Public transit exists, but many residents rely on a car or bike. St. Cloud, MN, United States living cost varies by neighborhood, so plan for proximity to work, campus needs, and parking. Tip: test Wi‑Fi in a few cafés before committing to a coworking plan.

A simple budgeting framework helps you balance fixed costs (rent, utilities) with flexible expenses (groceries, transport) and savings. Winters demand reliable heating and warm gear, while summers invite lake days and low-cost outdoor activities. Neighborhood fit matters – downtown and campus-adjacent zones keep you close to cafes, grocery lines, and transit, while quieter residential areas suit long stays. Use seasonal patterns to spot deals on appliances, groceries, and services. Tip: build a weekly routine that aligns errands, workouts, and social time so you stay productive without overspending.