Average Rent in Duluth, MN↓ Rents falling 2.0% YoY🔺 11th priciest in MN

Duluth, MN has rental prices ranging from $841/month to $2,017/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $961/month — 31% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,067/year, spending $961/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Duluth Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,207/month, Duluth ranks #11 most expensive of the 76 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 75% of all US cities in our data.

The Duluth Rental Market

The Duluth, MN area has a population of about 280,710 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Duluth, MN have fallen by $25/month (2.0%) over the past year, from $1,232 to $1,207. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Duluth, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,440. The local median household income of $71,067 exceeds that threshold by $32,627, making Duluth relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Duluth, MN is $296,120, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Duluth's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Spirit Valley ($188,615 median home value), Bayview Heights ($188,858 median home value), Morgan Park ($197,829 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Duluth, MN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Duluth?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Duluth

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.