Can A Bus Driver Afford Rent in Elk River, MN?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 47.4% of gross income.
Elk River rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Minnesota state estimate).
About rent and a bus driver salary
Transit bus driver pay sits near the US median household income, with municipal and unionized routes often paying more. At the national-average bus driver salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,296 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Minnesota cities have lower median rent than Elk River, which improves the affordability math on a bus driver salary:
Compare with full rent data for Elk River
View full rent data for Elk River, MN →Frequently asked questions
Can a bus driver afford rent in Elk River, MN?
Median rent in Elk River is $2,129 a month. A typical bus driver in Minnesota earns about $53,893 a year, which makes that rent 47.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a bus driver afford in Elk River?
Using the 30% rule, a bus driver salary in Minnesota (~$53,893/yr) supports up to $1,347 a month in rent. Elk River's current median rent is $2,129/mo, which is $782/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a bus driver work to cover rent in Elk River?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a bus driver in Minnesota works roughly 82.2 hours a month to cover Elk River's median rent of $2,129.
Where is rent cheaper than Elk River for a bus driver?
Nearby Minnesota cities with lower median rent include Maple Grove ($2,119/mo), Blaine ($2,112/mo), Maple Grove ($2,111/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a bus driver salary.