Forest Lake is located in Minnesota and has an overall cost of living that is -7% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Forest Lake.

Housing: Median rent in Forest Lake is $1,310 / month, and the median home price is $436,536. Housing costs are -18% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.17), milk ($4.83), and eggs ($4.77) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +2% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($139.83), dentist visits ($112.33), and prescription drugs ($20.24). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Minnesota has a state income tax rate of 9.85%, which affects take-home pay for Forest Lake residents.

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Forest Lake, Minnesota Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Forest Lake.

Forest Lake, Minnesota has an overall cost of living that is -7% the national average. Housing costs are -18% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +2% vs average. Utilities are -5% vs average. This makes Forest Lake a reasonably affordable city.

The median rent in Forest Lake, Minnesota is $1,310 / month. Average energy bills run $209.78 / month. Phone bills average $187.15 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Forest Lake: doctor's visit averages $139.83, dentist visit averages $112.33, prescription drugs average $20.24. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +2% grocery cost difference.

Forest Lake is one of 163 cities tracked in Minnesota. With an overall cost -7% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our Minnesota state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Forest Lake offers cost of living -7% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $436,536, rent of $1,310 / month, and a state income tax of 9.85% in Minnesota. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Forest Lake fits your budget.