Affordable

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in St. Paul, you need to earn at least $56,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $69,919, which means the typical resident is $13,359 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 308,806

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$990	$3,300	$39,600	$-30,319
1 Bedroom	$1,174	$3,913	$46,960	$-22,959
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,414	$4,713	$56,560	$-13,359
3 Bedroom	$1,725	$5,750	$69,000	$-919
4 Bedroom	$2,121	$7,070	$84,840	+$14,921

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$69,919

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$56,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,359

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

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

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,748

Studio

$990/mo

1 BR

$1,174/mo

2 BR

$1,414/mo

3 BR

$1,725/mo

4 BR

$2,121/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Living in St. Paul is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,359 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in St. Paul typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating St. Paul, a studio at $990/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,725/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $69,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $84,840 would position you well — though many residents in 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 St. Paul, Minnesota.

With a total population of 308,806, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 161,928 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $56,560 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

161,928

Active civilian employees in St. Paul

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in St. Paul

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in St. Paul under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $56,560. The median household income in St. Paul is $69,919.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in St. Paul on $69,919?

The affordability verdict for St. Paul is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.3%, meaning median earners have a $13,359 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in St. Paul is $1,174/month. With a median household income of $69,919, residents spend approximately 24.3% of their income on rent.

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

A studio in St. Paul rents for approximately $990/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $39,600 to afford this.

Is St. Paul considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,359 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", St. Paul is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $56,560 to the local median household income.

How St. Paul Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements