Average Rent in Minnesota 2026 — 1BR & 2BR Prices

Quick answer

A single adult in Minnesota typically needs about $3,100/month, with rent of $1,300 (1BR) as the largest single expense. A family with kids runs closer to $5,326/mo.

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Total / month
$3,100
Rent (1BR)
$1,300
Rent (2BR)
$1,600
Cost index
94
What this means in real life

In Minnesota, the swing factor is rent. Minneapolis pulls the averages up; smaller cities like Saint Paul often run 15–30% cheaper. Groceries, utilities, and transport are far more predictable — what changes a budget most is the apartment.

Cheap vs expensive areas in Minnesota

Most expensive
Minneapolis

Prime neighborhoods push 1BR rent to around $1,755/mo. Premium grocery prices, paid parking, and higher dining costs all compound.

More affordable
Saint Paul

Smaller cities and suburbs typically run a 1BR around $975/mo — 25–40% below the metro centre, with cheaper groceries and shorter commutes.

Cost breakdown — at a glance

Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,300
42% of budget
Transportation
$451
15% of budget
Groceries
$395
13% of budget
Utilities & internet
$183
6% of budget
Healthcare
$301
10% of budget
Entertainment & dining
$207
7% of budget
Misc & personal
$263
8% of budget

Monthly budget by household

Typical totals in Minnesota for a single adult, a couple, and a family with kids.

Single adult
$3,100/mo

1-bedroom, modest urban lifestyle.

Couple, no kids
$4,316/mo

2-bedroom, shared groceries and transport.

Family (2 adults + kids)
$5,326/mo

2-bedroom, childcare, more food and healthcare.

Monthly budget — full table

Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,300
42%
Transportation
$451
15%
Groceries
$395
13%
Utilities & internet
$183
6%
Healthcare
$301
10%
Entertainment & dining
$207
7%
Misc & personal
$263
8%

Visual breakdown

Housing (rent + insurance)$1,300
Transportation$451
Groceries$395
Utilities & internet$183
Healthcare$301
Entertainment & dining$207
Misc & personal$263
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Salary needed to live here

Rule of thumb: you want take-home pay of at least $3,720/mo to live comfortably — roughly $60,000/year gross.

Compare with neighbors

Common questions

These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.