Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in North St. Paul?

To afford a 2-bedroom in North St. Paul, you need to earn at least $59,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,475, which means the typical resident is $18,395 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 12,465

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,034	$3,447	$41,360	$-36,115
1 Bedroom	$1,226	$4,087	$49,040	$-28,435
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,477	$4,923	$59,080	$-18,395
3 Bedroom	$1,802	$6,007	$72,080	$-5,395
4 Bedroom	$2,216	$7,387	$88,640	+$11,165

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,475

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$59,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,395

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in North St. Paul

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with North St. Paul's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,937

Studio

$1,034/mo

1 BR

$1,226/mo

2 BR

$1,477/mo

3 BR

$1,802/mo

4 BR

$2,216/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in North St. Paul.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to North St. Paul

Living in North St. Paul is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,395 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in North St. Paul typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating North St. Paul, a studio at $1,034/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,802/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $72,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $88,620 would position you well — though many residents in North St. Paul 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 North St. Paul, Minnesota.

With a total population of 12,465, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,356 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $59,080 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

6,356

Active civilian employees in North St. Paul

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in North St. Paul

What salary do I need to live in North St. Paul, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in North St. Paul under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $59,080. The median household income in North St. Paul is $77,475.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in North St. Paul on $77,475?

The affordability verdict for North St. Paul is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.9%, meaning median earners have a $18,395 surplus.

What is the average rent in North St. Paul compared to median income?

The median gross rent in North St. Paul is $1,226/month. With a median household income of $77,475, residents spend approximately 22.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in North St. Paul?

A studio in North St. Paul rents for approximately $1,034/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,360 to afford this.

Is North St. Paul considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,395 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", North St. Paul is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $59,080 to the local median household income.

How North St. Paul Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements