Living in Duluth, MN
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Duluth, MN? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Duluth, MN

Real talk: everyone in Minnesota already knows Duluth is great, so when the rest of the country notices, we’re simultaneously proud and nervous that too many people will discover this hidden gem and start moving to Duluth, MN. 

The city is the gateway to one of America’s most treasured road trips: the North Shore All-American Scenic Drive, which traces Lake Superior all the way up to the Canadian border. The 154-mile route is punctuated with lighthouses, forests, craggy coastlines, state parks and even waterfalls, meaning locals can embark on many fun adventures close to home.

Duluth is full of Midwest magic, and for the almost 82,000 people who call the city home, it’s a no-brainer that it is one of the best places to live in the country, with excellent schools and colleges, including the University of Minnesota Duluth and Lake Superior College. Residents love to get outdoors, and there are more than 200 miles of hiking trails, plus spots to snowshoe, cross-country ski and snowmobile. The Duluth Ride Center’s 90 miles of trails put the lakefront city on the map as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the U.S. High-ranking health care also solidifies its rank as a top city. The 1-million-square-foot Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center, which opened in 2023, is the largest health care facility in the region. The thriving health care industry also provides residents with many job opportunities.

Duluth is a scenic city on the north shore of Lake Superior, about 155 miles north of Minneapolis, accessible via U.S. Route 2 and Minnesota State Route 61. Duluth International Airport is just 5 miles south, offering convenient flights. When you’re ready to explore, here’s how close you are to some nearby cities:

• Minneapolis-St. Paul sits 155 miles south, boasting the Mall of America, the Minnesota State Capitol and the Guthrie Theater.  
• Superior, WI, is just 5 miles east; visit the Fairlawn Mansion, the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge and Barker’s Island Park.  
• Thunder Bay, Canada, is 150 miles north, boasting the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, the Fort William Historical Park and Prince Arthur’s Landing. 

Winters are snowy and cold, but local residents have a knack for embracing the cold, whether it’s bundling up to go ice skating or cozying up in cidery. Summers are pleasant and don’t ever really get too hot.

Economic diversity and stability play a major role in the city’s attraction to newcomers. The city has retained much of its maritime and shipping heritage, but it’s evolved to become a hub for industries such as health care, education and tourism. Institutions like the University of Minnesota Duluth and St. Luke’s Hospital are major employers, and the growing craft brewery scene and thriving tech and start-up culture provide additional opportunities for young professionals and families alike.

The cost of living in Duluth is slightly lower than the national average. The median home value in Duluth is $234,322, and the average household income is $94,972. 

Minnesota residents pay a state income tax, and local residents can expect an 8.88% sales tax rate in 2025.

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Life here is anything but dull. History, arts and entertainment come together in this Minnesota marvel. Explore the city’s past at sites like the St. Louis County Depot and Glensheen Mansion, or delve into art at the Duluth Art Institute and the Tweed Museum of Art. The performing arts scene thrives with productions at the Duluth Playhouse, live improv at Zeitgeist and concerts by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Families find fun at the Great Lakes Aquarium, the Lake Superior Zoo and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Or gather for free outdoor movies at Leif Erikson Park.

Canal Park is great for shopping, dining, and arts and culture. Browse local spots like Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop and Hucklebeary. The city also hosts various events and festivals, and its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, coupled with iconic landmarks like the Aerial Lift Bridge, contributes to its appeal.

Outdoor amenities are out of this world in Duluth. The shores of Lake Superior characterize the stunning natural landscape. The city has more than 200 miles of trails, like the Lakewalk and the Ely’s Peak hike, with amazing views. Parks like Leif Erikson Park, Congdon Park and Piedmont Park provide family-friendly spaces with playgrounds and recreational areas. During the warmer months, Park Point offers sandy beaches for relaxation and swimming, while Enger Park and Lester Park Golf Courses provide scenic golfing experiences.

Winter turns the area into a cold-weather playground with unexpected opportunities to have fun, including cross-country skiing at Lester-Amity Ski Trail and downhill skiing at Chester Bowl. Birdwatching is popular year-round, especially at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. The city’s extensive parkland and trails, coupled with its proximity to natural attractions like the Superior Hiking Trail and Enger Tower, make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The local dining scene is growing by the day and is characterized by its blend of hearty Northern cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a thriving craft beverage culture. Casual spots like The Duluth Grill cater to regional dishes, while upscale destinations like Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar focus on local flavors. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh catches at The Boat Club Restaurant, while Northern Waters Smokehaus offers artisan smoked fish and meats.

Craft beer is a big deal here, with breweries like Bent Paddle Brewing Co. and Canal Park Brewing Company offering a variety of local brews. For something sweeter, Duluth Cider has creative ciders. Places like Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake have good food and great views, making Duluth a fun place to eat and drink.

Residents can take advantage of a range of educational options, including a comprehensive school system, private schools and charter schools. The Duluth Public School District serves over 8,000 students across grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. The district has worked to make improvements in recent years to increase proficiency in academics across the board. The city is also home to several top-notch private schools, including Marshall School, one of the state’s highest-ranked college prep schools.