Cost of Living compared to MN Metro
Embrace the Lifestyle of Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County, known for its tight-knit community, slower pace, and serene lake life, offers a unique and attractive lifestyle at a lower cost. Boasting the highest number of lakes of any county in the United States, excellent local schools, state-of-the-art healthcare, high-quality jobs, and a child-friendly atmosphere, Otter Tail County is an ideal place to live, work, and play. The natural beauty and sense of community make it a welcoming place for newcomers and a beloved home for residents.
Financial Advantages of Living in Otter Tail County
Spend Less and Enjoy More
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provides yearly estimates of the basic-needs cost of living by county and region, considering family size and employment status. According to DEED’s 2023 data, Otter Tail County not only offers a more enjoyable lifestyle compared to the Seven County Minneapolis-St. Paul Planning Region, living here also makes financial sense.
For a family with two full-time workers and two children, the yearly cost of living in 2023 was estimated at $107,328 in the Seven County Metro area, compared to $77,916 in Otter Tail County. This significant difference means families can save over $29,000 annually by choosing Otter Tail County. For more information and comparisons of other family sizes and regions, check out the DEED Cost of Living Tool.
When considering whether to move to a county, it makes sense to not only consider the cost of living there, but to compare that to what incomes look like in that region. The Center for Rural Policy and Development produced an article titled “Wages can go further in Greater Minnesota,” where it was explained that wages should be viewed together with cost of living to tell how far that income can actually go. The method used in the article was to calculate median wages as a percent of cost of living. The article also provides a great breakdown of what is included in each DEED Cost of Living category and how they are calculated.
These comparisons highlight the significant savings across various essential expenses when living in Otter Tail County. Lower housing and child care costs, in particular, offer substantial financial relief, allowing families to allocate their savings towards leisure, education, and other enriching experiences.
Ready for a slower pace at a lower cost? Read about how to make Otter Tail County your home.
Some of the content and ideas in this blog post may have been generated with or inspired by AI. A member of our staff has edited, altered and added to the content to ensure accuracy. This blend of AI and human creativity aims to provide you with engaging and innovative perspectives on the wonders of Otter Tail County, MN.
