Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Blaine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Blaine, you need to earn at least $78,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $100,659, which means the typical resident is $21,859 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 70,047

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,379	$4,597	$55,160	$-45,499
1 Bedroom	$1,635	$5,450	$65,400	$-35,259
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,970	$6,567	$78,800	$-21,859
3 Bedroom	$2,403	$8,010	$96,120	$-4,539
4 Bedroom	$2,955	$9,850	$118,200	+$17,541

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Blaine's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$100,659

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$78,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,859

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Blaine

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Blaine's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,516

Studio

$1,379/mo

1 BR

$1,635/mo

2 BR

$1,970/mo

3 BR

$2,403/mo

4 BR

$2,955/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Blaine.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Blaine's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Blaine

Blaine, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $100,659 significantly exceeds the $78,800 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,859 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Blaine, a studio at $1,379/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,403/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $96,120.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $118,200 would position you well — though many residents in Blaine manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Blaine, Minnesota.

With a total population of 70,047, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 36,749 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $78,800 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

36,749

Active civilian employees in Blaine

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Blaine

What salary do I need to live in Blaine, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Blaine under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $78,800. The median household income in Blaine is $100,659.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Blaine on $100,659?

The affordability verdict for Blaine is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.5%, meaning median earners have a $21,859 surplus.

What is the average rent in Blaine compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Blaine is $1,635/month. With a median household income of $100,659, residents spend approximately 23.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Blaine?

A studio in Blaine rents for approximately $1,379/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $55,160 to afford this.

Is Blaine considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,859 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Blaine is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $78,800 to the local median household income.

How Blaine Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements