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Cost of Living in Mille Lacs County

Is it better to rent or buy in Mille Lacs 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.

$72,962
$1,001/mo

Median in area: $1,001

$257,309

Median in area: $257,309

$51,462

If you Rent

🔑
$1,284 /mo
Base Rent$1,001
Est. Utilities$283
% of Income21.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,796

If you Buy

🏠
$1,980 /mo
P&I (7.104%)$1,384
Taxes & Ins$313
Est. Utilities$283
% of Income32.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,100

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Mille Lacs County stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Mille Lacs County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Mille Lacs County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,284, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,980 per month (a difference of $696).

How much do utilities cost in Mille Lacs County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Mille Lacs County is approximately $283. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Mille Lacs County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Mille Lacs County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $51,360 per year.