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Cost of Living in Albert Lea

Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States · Population 18,330

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in Albert Lea

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Albert Lea is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Albert Lea

Albert Lea vs New YorkAlbert Lea vs Los AngelesAlbert Lea vs ChicagoAlbert Lea vs MiamiAlbert Lea vs HoustonAlbert Lea vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Austin

31 km away · Minnesota

Waseca

49 km away · Minnesota

Owatonna

50 km away · Minnesota

Mason City

58 km away · Iowa

Faribault

72 km away · Minnesota

Mankato

76 km away · Minnesota

North Mankato

80 km away · Minnesota

Rochester

82 km away · Minnesota

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Albert Lea

Albert Lea is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Albert Lea is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albert Lea expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in Albert Lea including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Albert Lea?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Albert Lea with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Albert Lea is $3,510.
How much is rent in Albert Lea?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is Albert Lea cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Albert Lea is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Albert Lea?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in Albert Lea. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Albert Lea compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Albert Lea is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Albert Lea are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 18,330). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.