10 Cheapest Cities to Live in Minnesota (2026)
Minnesota has 908 cities and towns, but affordability varies wildly. We ranked every Minnesota city with at least 5,000 residents by median home value to find the most affordable places to live. Here are the top 10 cheapest cities in Minnesota for 2026.
The 10 Most Affordable Cities in Minnesota
1. **International Falls** — Median home value: $115,000, median rent: $753/mo, median income: $61,043, population: 5,728. 2. **Virginia** — Median home value: $117,500, median rent: $789/mo, median income: $48,321, population: 8,362. 3. **Hibbing** — Median home value: $123,900, median rent: $739/mo, median income: $55,463, population: 16,100. 4. **Montevideo** — Median home value: $137,600, median rent: $832/mo, median income: $65,724, population: 5,303. 5. **Albert Lea** — Median home value: $150,400, median rent: $845/mo, median income: $62,522, population: 18,379. 6. **Austin** — Median home value: $155,100, median rent: $860/mo, median income: $66,488, population: 26,167. 7. **Crookston** — Median home value: $160,700, median rent: $827/mo, median income: $54,003, population: 7,388. 8. **Redwood Falls** — Median home value: $162,000, median rent: $824/mo, median income: $61,947, population: 5,075. 9. **Fairmont** — Median home value: $168,800, median rent: $717/mo, median income: $59,228, population: 10,348. 10. **Thief River Falls** — Median home value: $169,300, median rent: $884/mo, median income: $65,244, population: 8,841.
How These Cities Compare to State Averages
The statewide median income in Minnesota is $74,221. International Falls has a median home value of just $115,000, making it one of the most affordable communities in the state. On average, these top 10 cities have home values 197% of the state median income, meaning homes are highly attainable for local earners.
What to Consider Before Moving
Low home values are attractive, but always check employment options, school quality, and proximity to amenities. Some affordable cities have higher unemployment or poverty rates. Visit each city's profile on US City Data for complete demographics, economic data, and comparisons to similar cities.
Explore More Minnesota Cities
Browse all 908 cities in Minnesota on our state page, or check the full Minnesota rankings for income, education, job market, and more. You can also compare any two Minnesota cities side by side.