RentData

Average Rent in Minneapolis, MN Rents rising 3.9% YoY🔺 Most expensive in MN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 3,693,351

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Minneapolis, MN has rental prices ranging from $1,220/month to $2,513/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,381/month, near the national average. With a median household income of $98,180/year, spending $1,381/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Minneapolis Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,685/month, Minneapolis ranks #1 most expensive of the 75 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 95% of all US cities in our data.

The Minneapolis Rental Market

The Minneapolis, MN area has a population of about 3,693,351 and 29% 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 Minneapolis, MN have risen by $63/month (3.9%) over the past year, from $1,622 to $1,685. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Minneapolis, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $55,240. The local median household income of $98,180 exceeds that threshold by $42,940, making Minneapolis relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Minneapolis, MN is $338,937, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 17 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Safety

Crime statistics for Minneapolis, MN show a violent crime rate of 264.42 per 100,000 residents (moderate) and a property crime rate of 1727.3 per 100,000 residents (moderate). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within Minneapolis before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Minneapolis's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Cedar-Riverside ($160,632 median home value), Stevens Square ($160,711 median home value), Loring Park ($190,706 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,220
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,381
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,685
3.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,244
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,513
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Minneapolis
Median Home Value
$338,937
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,804/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Minneapolis, MN Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$67,400/year
Local median income: $98,180
To buy a median home
$72,159/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,685/month and 20% down on a $338,937 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Duluth$782$896$1,140$1,538
Lake County$848$942$1,236$1,489
Fargo$694$836$1,012$1,418
Rochester$989$1,101$1,341$1,879
St. Cloud$856$883$1,151$1,510
La Crosse$821$912$1,197$1,579

Rent or Buy in Minneapolis?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Minneapolis data

$
Home Value
$338,937
2BR Rent
$1,685/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,804/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,496/movs rent: $1,685/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $338,937 home at 7% rate

20% — $67,787
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,804
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$271,150
Total Paid
$649,427
Total Interest
$378,277
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Minneapolis

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Minneapolis

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Minneapolis

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Minneapolis

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MN

See how Minneapolis ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Minneapolis

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections