Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Rochester, MN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.2% of gross income.
Rochester rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Minnesota state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Minnesota cities have lower median rent than Rochester, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Rochester
View full rent data for Rochester, MN →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Rochester, MN?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,702 a month. A typical carpenter in Minnesota earns about $63,378 a year, which makes that rent 32.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Rochester?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Minnesota (~$63,378/yr) supports up to $1,584 a month in rent. Rochester's current median rent is $1,702/mo, which is $118/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Rochester?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a carpenter in Minnesota works roughly 55.9 hours a month to cover Rochester's median rent of $1,702.
Where is rent cheaper than Rochester for a carpenter?
Nearby Minnesota cities with lower median rent include Oakdale ($1,701/mo), Coon Rapids ($1,700/mo), Saint Louis Park ($1,698/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.