Brainerd, MN

Very Low · 61

Minnesota · Population 14,474 · Updated March 2026

$848
Median Rent / Month
$53,705
Median Income
$178,600
Median Home Value
$952
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Brainerd

18.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Minnesota

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.85%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.875%
Sales Tax
1.11%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$10,176
Annual Rent
$5,290
State Income Tax
$1,982
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Brainerd is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 61 (where 100 equals the national median), Brainerd residents can expect to pay median rent of $848/month while earning a median household income of $53,705/year.

The median home value in Brainerd, MN is $178,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $952 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Minnesota's top income tax rate of 9.85% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.875% sales tax rate and 1.11% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Brainerd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Brainerd

What is the cost of living in Brainerd, MN?
The cost of living index in Brainerd, MN is 61 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $848, median household income is $53,705/year, and the median home value is $178,600.
Is Brainerd, MN affordable?
Yes, Brainerd is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 61. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Brainerd, MN?
The median gross rent in Brainerd, MN is $848 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $10,176.
What is the median household income in Brainerd?
The median household income in Brainerd, MN is $53,705 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Minnesota?
Minnesota has a top income tax rate of 9.85%, a sales tax of 6.875%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.11%.