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Cost of Living in Freeborn County

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

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$70,353
$904/mo

Median in area: $904

$174,678

Median in area: $174,678

$34,936

If you Rent

🔑
$1,162 /mo
Base Rent$904
Est. Utilities$258
% of Income19.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,701

If you Buy

🏠
$1,488 /mo
P&I (7.198%)$948
Taxes & Ins$282
Est. Utilities$258
% of Income25.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,374

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Freeborn County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyWaseca County, MN
$892/mo
countySteele County, MN
$1,175/mo
countyWorth County, IA
$763/mo
countyFaribault County, MN
$851/mo
countyMower County, MN
$965/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Freeborn County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Freeborn County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,162, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,488 per month (a difference of $326).

How much do utilities cost in Freeborn County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Freeborn County is approximately $258. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Freeborn County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Freeborn County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,480 per year.