Maple Grove is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,750 and slightly higher grocery and heating costs compared to national averages.
Housing Costs in Maple Grove
Housing options in Maple Grove range from apartments and townhomes to single-family homes in established neighborhoods. Typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment falls between $1,600-$1,900 per month, with newer luxury units commanding higher prices. Buying a 3-bedroom house in Maple Grove averages $450,000-$550,000 depending on the neighborhood, age of the home, and amenities.
Some of the more affordable areas to rent or buy include:
- Weaver Lake neighborhood: Older homes, some townhomes, close to shopping
- Gladstone neighborhood: Mix of 1970s-1990s single-family homes
- Nottingham neighborhood: Apartments, townhomes, and starter homes
Pricier Maple Grove neighborhoods like The Arbor and The Preserve feature larger, newer construction homes with prices over $600,000. Many homes in Maple Grove are part of a homeowners association (HOA), with monthly fees ranging from $100-$400 to cover shared amenities and exterior maintenance. Factor in an additional $1,200-$2,000 for moving costs when relocating to Maple Grove.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utilities in Maple Grove, including electric, gas, water, and trash, average $180-$250 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Expect to pay more for a larger home, with a typical 3-bedroom house totaling $300-$450 monthly for utilities. Keep in mind that heating costs can spike during Minnesota’s frigid winters, while summer cooling bills are more moderate.
| Utility | Apartment (2BR) | House (3BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $70 – $120 | $100 – $180 |
| Gas | $40 – $80 | $80 – $150 |
| Water/Sewer | $30 – $50 | $50 – $80 |
| Trash | $20 – $30 | $30 – $40 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Maple Grove residents can expect to spend around $350-$450 per person monthly on groceries and everyday items. This covers basics from stores like Cub Foods, Hy-Vee, or ALDI, with some room for occasional treats or speciality ingredients. Dining out adds $25-$40 per meal at a casual restaurant, or $10-$15 for fast casual options.
A sample grocery basket with staples like milk, bread, eggs, produce, and chicken or fish totals about $70-$90 per week for an individual. Household essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and personal care items add another $40-$60 to the monthly bill.
Taxes and Fees to Know
Maple Grove’s property tax rate hovers around 1.2% of a home’s assessed value, translating to $4,500-$6,600 annually for a $450,000-$550,000 house. Renters can expect some of this cost passed down through higher rent prices. Minnesota charges a 6.875% sales tax on most goods and services, with a 0.5% local tax in Hennepin County where Maple Grove is located.
Vehicle registration fees are $35 plus an additional tax based on the age and value of the car or truck. Drivers pay a separate wheelage tax of $10-$20 in the Twin Cities metro. Most Maple Grove neighborhoods have an HOA fee, which can range from $100 for basic services up to $400 for extensive amenities and exterior maintenance.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,200 – $1,600 | $1,600 – $2,200 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Utilities | $150 – $250 | $200 – $300 | $300 – $450 |
| Groceries & Dining | $400 – $600 | $700 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Transportation | $60 – $80 | $120 – $160 | $200 – $300 |
| Other Necessities | $200 – $300 | $300 – $500 | $500 – $800 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $2,010 – $2,830 | $2,920 – $4,160 | $4,200 – $6,150 |
Lifestyle and Affordability Factors
Living comfortably in Maple Grove requires balancing housing costs with other priorities. Choosing an older home or more basic apartment can keep monthly payments manageable, while still offering access to the city’s strong school system, abundant parks and trails, and convenient shopping and dining. Commuters may face traffic heading into Minneapolis but benefit from Maple Grove’s slightly lower housing costs compared to suburbs closer to the city.
Maple Grove residents sacrifice some walkability and transit access for more affordable real estate and a quieter suburban lifestyle. The city is gradually developing more mixed-use areas with apartments, restaurants, and entertainment in easy walking distance. Families appreciate the newer housing stock, community events, and kid-friendly amenities Maple Grove offers.
The top three costs that catch many Maple Grove newcomers by surprise are:
- Heating bills in winter: Coming from a milder climate, the steep utility costs in December-February can be an unwelcome shock.
- Vehicle costs: Car insurance, annual registration fees, and wheelage taxes add up, making it pricier than expected to own a vehicle in the Twin Cities suburbs.
- Specialty grocery items: While basics are reasonably priced, specialty or organic products can be harder to find and carry a higher markup than in larger cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Maple Grove?
To live comfortably in Maple Grove, aim for a gross (pre-tax) household income of at least $4,200 per month for a single person, $5,500 for a couple, or $7,000 monthly for a family of four. This factors in housing, food, utilities, and basic extras.
Is Maple Grove cheaper than Minneapolis?
Maple Grove is slightly less expensive than Minneapolis proper, with more affordable housing and lower taxes. However, transportation costs are higher for commuters, and Maple Grove lacks some of the free attractions and transit access of the central city.
What is the most affordable neighborhood in Maple Grove?
The Gladstone and Nottingham neighborhoods offer some of the most budget-friendly housing options, with older homes, townhomes, and apartments. Expect to pay 10-20% less than the Maple Grove average in these areas.
Are utilities expensive in Maple Grove?
Utilities in Maple Grove are slightly higher than the national average, largely due to the cold winters and higher heating costs. Budget an extra $50-$100 per month compared to milder climates, especially in older, less-insulated homes.
How much is the average grocery bill in Maple Grove?
Maple Grove residents typically spend $350-$450 per person each month on groceries and basic household items, not including dining out. Expect to pay 5-10% more for speciality or organic products compared to budget-friendly staples.
What hidden fees should I look out for in Maple Grove?
Be prepared for annual vehicle registration fees, county wheelage taxes, and potentially higher car insurance rates in the Twin Cities metro. Many homes also have monthly HOA dues, which can add $100-$400 to your housing costs.
Is Maple Grove a good place to raise a family?
Maple Grove is an appealing choice for families, with highly-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and plentiful parks and community events. The tradeoff is a higher overall cost of living and less walkability compared to some denser suburbs or city neighborhoods.
How far is Maple Grove from Minneapolis?
Maple Grove is about 20 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis, or a 30-40 minute drive in normal traffic. Commuters should budget extra time and gas money, as public transit options are limited.