Get & compare mortgage quotes anonymously Start in My Home

Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Owatonna

Is it better to rent or buy in Owatonna? 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.

$81,021
$1,166/mo

Median in area: $1,166

$240,095

Median in area: $240,095

$48,019

If you Rent

$1,325 /mo
Base Rent$1,166
Est. Utilities$159
% of Income19.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,427

If you Buy

$1,842 /mo
P&I (6.966%)$1,274
Taxes & Ins$409
Est. Utilities$159
% of Income27.3%
Pre-tax Residual$4,910

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Owatonna?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Owatonna. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,325, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,842 per month (a difference of $517).

How much do utilities cost in Owatonna?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Owatonna is approximately $159. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Owatonna?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Owatonna without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $53,000 per year.