Columbia Heights, MN

Below Avg · 89

Minnesota · Population 22,016 · Updated March 2026

$1,278
Median Rent / Month
$74,688
Median Income
$259,900
Median Home Value
$1,384
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Columbia Heights

20.5%
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

$15,336
Annual Rent
$7,357
State Income Tax
$2,885
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Columbia Heights offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 89 (where 100 equals the national median), Columbia Heights residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,278/month while earning a median household income of $74,688/year.

The median home value in Columbia Heights, MN is $259,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,384 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% 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 Columbia Heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Columbia Heights

What is the cost of living in Columbia Heights, MN?
The cost of living index in Columbia Heights, MN is 89 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,278, median household income is $74,688/year, and the median home value is $259,900.
Is Columbia Heights, MN affordable?
Yes, Columbia Heights is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 89. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Columbia Heights, MN?
The median gross rent in Columbia Heights, MN is $1,278 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,336.
What is the median household income in Columbia Heights?
The median household income in Columbia Heights, MN is $74,688 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%.