RentData

Average Rent in Minneapolis, MN↑ Rents rising 1.5% YoY🔺 Most expensive in MN

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 3,693,351

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Minneapolis, MN has rental prices ranging from $1,265/month to $2,538/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,427/month, near the national average. With a median household income of $98,180/year, spending $1,427/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 $1,734/month, Minneapolis ranks #1 most expensive of the 76 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 94% 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 $25/month (1.5%) over the past year, from $1,709 to $1,734. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

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 $57,080. The local median household income of $98,180 exceeds that threshold by $41,100, making Minneapolis relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Minneapolis, MN is $328,351, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 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 263.96 per 100,000 residents (moderate) and a property crime rate of 1727.1 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 ($147,417 median home value), Stevens Square ($156,911 median home value), Loring Park ($168,542 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 FY2027
Studio
$1,265
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,427
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,734
↑1.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$2,264
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,538
Average
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Median Home Value
$328,351
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,748/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
$69,360/year
Local median income: $98,180
To buy a median home
$69,905/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,734/month and 20% down on a $328,351 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Duluth$841$961$1,207$1,671—
Lake County$848$942$1,236$1,489—
Fargo$781$903$1,104$1,529—
Rochester$1,183$1,226$1,422$1,969—
St. Cloud$884$961$1,233$1,656—
La Crosse$935$1,027$1,343$1,721—

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
$328,351
2BR Rent
$1,734/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,748/mo
🏠 Buy

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

Total monthly buy cost: $2,418/movs rent: $1,734/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 $328,351 home at 7% rate

20% — $65,670
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,748
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$262,681
Total Paid
$629,144
Total Interest
$366,463
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Minneapolis

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️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