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City Report · MN

Saint Paul

·47th most expensive in Minnesota·Rental market data updated monthly for Saint Paul, MN
Median rent (all units)
$1,480/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.1%
Month-over-Month
+0.3%
vs US Median
-$485
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Saint Paul · $1,480
More affordable than 77% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Saint Paul's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,480/mo
Expected by trend
$1,516/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Saint Paul's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,168
1 BR
$1,320
2 BR
$1,611
3 BR
$2,154
4 BR+
$2,427
Research median
$1,611/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,760/yr
At $1,480/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (2.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.1% YoY, +0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Saint Paul, MN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,272 → $1,480
up 16.4%

Five years ago, renters in Saint Paul, MN paid around $1,272 a month. That figure now sits near $1,480, up 16.4% from the 2021 baseline. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Saint Paul, MN reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Saint Paul on your salary?

At $1,480/mo, how Saint Paul rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Saint Paul rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Saint Paul

About renting in Saint Paul, MN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Saint Paul is $1,480/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,168/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,611/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,320/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,154/mo.

At 25% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Saint Paul ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint Paul an affordable city for renters?

Saint Paul is considered affordable for renters. At $1,480/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Saint Paul falls comfortably within that range.

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

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $59,000/year (~$28/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,480/mo in Saint Paul.

Is rent going up or down in Saint Paul?

Rent in Saint Paul has increased 2.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Saint Paul neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Saint Paul are 55130 ($1,122/mo), 55106 ($1,262/mo), and 55105 ($1,358/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Saint Paul is $1,480/mo.

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

Saint Paul is one of the more affordable cities in Minnesota for rent, ranking #47 out of 67 tracked cities at $1,480/mo.

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

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Saint Paul ($1,480/mo): Little Canada ($1,400/mo), West Saint Paul ($1,428/mo), South Saint Paul ($1,453/mo).

How does Saint Paul rent compare to the national average?

Saint Paul's median rent of $1,480/mo is $485 (25%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Minnesota, it ranks #47 out of 67 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,480/mo, rent takes ~25% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Saint Paul 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5.35–9.85%
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Saint Paul, MN

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