Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cook?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cook, you need to earn at least $31,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $43,750, which means the typical resident is $12,750 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 459

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$543	$1,810	$21,720	$-22,030
1 Bedroom	$643	$2,143	$25,720	$-18,030
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$775	$2,583	$31,000	$-12,750
3 Bedroom	$946	$3,153	$37,840	$-5,910
4 Bedroom	$1,163	$3,877	$46,520	+$2,770

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$43,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,750

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Cook's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,094

Studio

$543/mo

1 BR

$643/mo

2 BR

$775/mo

3 BR

$946/mo

4 BR

$1,163/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Cook

Living in Cook is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,750 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Cook typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Cook, a studio at $543/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $946/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $46,500 would position you well — though many residents in Cook 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 Cook, Minnesota.

With a total population of 459, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 183 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,000 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

183

Active civilian employees in Cook

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cook

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cook under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,000. The median household income in Cook is $43,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Cook on $43,750?

The affordability verdict for Cook is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.3%, meaning median earners have a $12,750 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Cook is $643/month. With a median household income of $43,750, residents spend approximately 21.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cook?

A studio in Cook rents for approximately $543/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,720 to afford this.

Is Cook considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,750 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Cook is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,000 to the local median household income.

How Cook Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements