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Duluth, MN-WI

Cost of living in Carlton County, MN

Part of the Duluth Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,113/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 36,457 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $896 29%
Federal tax $609 20%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $340 11%
Transport $320 10%
State tax $231 7%
Energy $187 6%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Carlton County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$782
per month
1 bedroom
$896
per month
2 bedroom
$1,140
per month
3 bedroom
$1,538
per month
4 bedroom
$1,914
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Carlton County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$80,042
per year
Individual earnings
$47,263
per year
Per capita
$37,608
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Carlton County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$232,000
Annual property tax
$2,712

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Carlton County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$124
per month · 15.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Carlton County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Carlton County

State and local tax rates for Minnesota.

State income tax
9.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.9%
Combined sales tax
7.5%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Carlton County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
21.5 min
Drive alone
80.0%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
8.6%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Carlton County

What it costs to live in Carlton County each month.

Single person
$3,113
per month
  • Rent $896
  • Energy $187
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $340
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $609
  • State tax $231
Couple
$4,668
per month
  • Rent $1,140
  • Energy $224
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $563
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $980
  • State tax $417
Family
$7,210
per month
  • Rent $1,538
  • Energy $280
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $855
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $980
  • State tax $417

Frequently asked questions about Carlton County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Carlton County?

In Carlton County, MN, a one-bedroom apartment averages $896 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,140 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,538 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Carlton County?

In Carlton County, MN, the average household income is $80,042 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $47,263 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Carlton County?

The estimated cost of living in Carlton County, MN is approximately $3,113 per month for a single person, $4,668 for a couple, $7,210 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Carlton County?

The combined sales tax rate in Carlton County, MN is 7.54%, which includes the Minnesota state rate of 6.88% plus an average local rate of 0.66%.

Is Carlton County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Carlton County, MN would need approximately $3,113 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $80,042 per year ($6,670 per month). Carlton County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Carlton County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Carlton County, MN is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Carlton County?

The average home value in Carlton County, MN is $232,000, with average annual property taxes of $2,712, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Carlton County compare to other areas?

You can compare Carlton County, MN with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Carlton County is in the Duluth, MN-WI metro area.

Other counties in Minnesota

Browse the full list of counties in Minnesota, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Minnesota

Compare Carlton County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources