City Report · MN

Saint Cloud

·62nd most expensive in Minnesota·Saint Cloud rents are up 8.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,234/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.2%
Month-over-Month
+0.2%
vs US Median
-$728
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Saint Cloud · $1,234
More affordable than 91% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Saint Cloud's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,234/mo
Expected by trend
$1,302/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Saint Cloud's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$940
1 BR
$1,003
2 BR
$1,273
3 BR
$1,690
4 BR+
$1,973
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,273/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,234 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$14,808/yr
At $1,234/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.2% YoY, +0.2% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Saint Cloud, MN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$905 → $1,234
up 36.4%

The median rent in Saint Cloud, MN stood at $905 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,234, reflecting a 36.4% increase over the period. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Saint Cloud, MN reflects that arc in its own way.

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View Saint Cloud rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Saint Cloud on your salary?

At $1,234/mo, how Saint Cloud rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Saint Cloud rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Saint Cloud. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Saint Cloud

About renting in Saint Cloud, MN

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Saint Cloud is $1,234/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $940/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,273/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,003/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,690/mo.

At 21% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Saint Cloud ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Cloud an affordable city for renters?

Saint Cloud is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,234/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Saint Cloud falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Saint Cloud?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $49,000/year (~$24/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,234/mo in Saint Cloud.

Is rent going up or down in Saint Cloud?

Rent in Saint Cloud has increased 8.2% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Saint Cloud neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Saint Cloud are 56303 ($1,064/mo), 56304 ($1,204/mo), and 56301 ($1,297/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Saint Cloud is $1,234/mo.

How does Saint Cloud rent compare to other cities in Minnesota?

Saint Cloud is one of the more affordable cities in Minnesota for rent, ranking #62 out of 67 tracked cities at $1,234/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Saint Cloud?

Waite Park is nearby and more affordable at $1,228/mo, which is $6 less than Saint Cloud.

How does Saint Cloud rent compare to the national average?

Saint Cloud's median rent of $1,234/mo is $728 (37%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Minnesota, it ranks #62 out of 67 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,234/mo, rent takes ~21% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Saint Cloud 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5.35–9.85%
Run the Saint Cloud affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Saint Cloud
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Saint Cloud, MN

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