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Cost of Living in Duluth

Is it better to rent or buy in Duluth? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$102,207
$1,846/mo

Median in area: $1,846

$402,919

Median in area: $402,919

$80,584

If you Rent

$2,010 /mo
Base Rent$1,846
Est. Utilities$164
% of Income23.6%
Pre-tax Residual$6,507

If you Buy

$2,676 /mo
P&I (6.873%)$2,117
Taxes & Ins$395
Est. Utilities$164
% of Income31.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,841

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Duluth?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Duluth. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,010, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,676 per month (a difference of $666).

How much do utilities cost in Duluth?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Duluth is approximately $164. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Duluth?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Duluth without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $80,400 per year.