St. Paul, Minnesota, is one of the Twin Cities — the other being the larger, nearby city of Minneapolis. While St. Paul is less expensive than Minneapolis, the cost of living here is 15% higher than the national average. That said, compared to cities like New York and San Francisco, St. Paul has a cost of living that is 50-75% lower. It’s worth noting that relative value depends on the qualities most important to you in a city and what fits your budget.
Let’s break down the cost of living in St. Paul to see what you can get for your money.
How expensive is an apartment in St. Paul?
St. Paul also comes in at number 36 on a list of most expensive cities. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,051, which is the third-highest rate in the entire state of Minnesota. A two-bedroom will run you around $1,381. Overall, monthly expenses here are estimated to be $1,934, which combines the price of renting a one-bedroom apartment with other typical monthly expenses like utilities and food.
How do I find cheap apartments in St. Paul?
It’s a good idea to widen your search beyond the immediate city area to find better deals. If you’re willing to live outside city limits, you may find an apartment that puts you in close reach of city amenities but at a lower price point. Due to the cold winters and snow, it’s best to search for a new apartment during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. However, if you’re not bothered by the cold and can hunt for an apartment during winter, a landlord might cut you a deal on the rent. Around that season, house demands are really low, resulting in a lot of vacancies that need to be filled.
What is the cheapest rent in St. Paul?
You can find apartments under $700 per month in St. Paul, though those will likely be small studio apartments. A studio apartment is different from a one-bedroom because it doesn’t have a separate bedroom. A studio apartment aims for compact design by creating a living space that includes one ample space for your bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Often, studio apartments also offer a pared-down version of a kitchen, known as a kitchenette.
While the bathroom is typically a separate room, the rest is all one room. Having everything in just one room lets you be creative in designing the space to feel like there’s a designated area for sleeping, eating, and lounging while watching TV. A studio apartment will usually provide you with a maximum of 600 square feet, and some can be as small as 300 square feet. Due to their smaller size and lack of privacy caused by one large living space, you can expect to pay less for a studio apartment.
Studio apartment rental rates range from $350 to $800 in St. Paul, depending on the size, location, and condition of the apartment.
Some people chose to rent out a room in their house or even above their garage, which would also be an option for cheap rent in St. Paul. When you rent a room from someone, you then share the kitchen, living room, and often bathroom areas, limiting your privacy. You’re paying for your bedroom and access to the rest of the house, which the homeowner and availability may restrict. Your homeowner-roommate may also assign you times to use the kitchen or living room, or you may need to share the times in those spaces.
What will utilities costs?
One advantage of living in St. Paul is that utility rates are 7% lower than the national average. On average, basic utility costs, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are $193.04 for a 915-square-foot apartment. That rate could vary and increase if you have a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment. You’ll also have to budget for higher utility costs during the long, cold winters. Despite that, you’ll still save compared to the going utility prices in many other cities. Cell phone service averages $160, but you can search for deals and score a lower price.
How much will I pay for food?
St. Paul has food prices that are 5% higher than the national average, so you should be prepared to spend a little more on groceries. Savings in other areas of your budget, such as your housing or utility costs, can help even this out. You can also save money and take advantage of fresh local produce and food offerings at Saint Paul Farmers’ Market.
What will transportation cost?
Transportation is one area where you can save some money and help save the environment at the same time. St. Paul offers a wealth of environmentally friendly options to get you around. The city has a pedestrian plan, Walking Saint Paul, that’s focused on improving the walkability of the city and maintaining the safety of pedestrians. Many residents also bike around the city. If you’re not ready to invest in your own bike, you can always use a Nice Ride rental bike to get around.
Many people in St. Paul also opt for ridesharing to work. In fact, more people bike or rideshare to work in St. Paul than the national average. In addition, St. Paul has a light rail, the METRO Green Line, with 20 stops, that runs round the clock within St. Paul and back and forth between St. Pauli and Minneapolis. Finally, there’s a Twin Cities Electric Vehicle Mobility Network, know as EV Spot Network, that coordinates ridesharing and charging hubs for residents with electric cars.
Life in St. Paul
St. Paul is still growing. Job prospects are good, with tech and other industries expanding. There’s a wealth of educational institutions nearby and access to top-notch health care. There’s a variety of outdoor recreation and sports year-round for some bold Minnesotans who love winter activities such as skiing, snowmobile riding, and ice fishing. For a smaller, manageable, affordable city with the benefit of proximity to the greater Minneapolis area, St. Paul may be just the place for you.
You may need to consider the location, desired amenities, and size of space required to find affordable rent in St. Paul and the surrounding area. Take time to research potential housing options to find a living space that saves you money while meeting your needs.
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