Affordable

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in South St. Paul, you need to earn at least $52,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $82,644, which means the typical resident is $29,924 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 20,598

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$923	$3,077	$36,920	$-45,724
1 Bedroom	$1,094	$3,647	$43,760	$-38,884
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,318	$4,393	$52,720	$-29,924
3 Bedroom	$1,608	$5,360	$64,320	$-18,324
4 Bedroom	$1,977	$6,590	$79,080	$-3,564

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$82,644

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$29,924

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

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

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,066

Studio

$923/mo

1 BR

$1,094/mo

2 BR

$1,318/mo

3 BR

$1,608/mo

4 BR

$1,977/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for South 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 South St. Paul

South St. Paul, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $82,644 significantly exceeds the $52,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $29,924 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating South St. Paul, a studio at $923/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,608/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $64,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $79,080 would position you well — though many residents in South 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 South St. Paul, Minnesota.

With a total population of 20,598, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,388 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,720 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

11,388

Active civilian employees in South St. Paul

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in South St. Paul

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in South St. Paul under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,720. The median household income in South St. Paul is $82,644.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in South St. Paul on $82,644?

The affordability verdict for South St. Paul is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.1%, meaning median earners have a $29,924 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in South St. Paul is $1,094/month. With a median household income of $82,644, residents spend approximately 19.1% of their income on rent.

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

A studio in South St. Paul rents for approximately $923/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,920 to afford this.

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

Based on the surplus of $29,924 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", South St. Paul is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,720 to the local median household income.

How South St. Paul Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements