Cost of living in Brainerd, MN — Housing, Rent & Index

The median home value in Brainerd, MN is $311,283 as of 2026-04. That places Brainerd below the US average for housing cost, with a cost index of approximately 88 versus a national baseline of 100.

Over the past 12 months, the median home value in Brainerd has climbed 3.5%, and over the past five years it has averaged +6.3% annual growth. The current price sits +0.0% from its 5-year peak in 2026-04.

Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month in Brainerd. Rents have changed — over the last year and averaged — per year over five years.

Beyond housing, day-to-day costs in Brainerd are shaped by state and local taxes, utility rates, transportation, and groceries. This page focuses on the housing component, which is the largest single line in most household budgets and the easiest to compare across cities using consistent national data.