“10,000 Lake Land”, Minnesota is undoubtedly one of the gems of the Midwest. With the vibrant city’s famous theatres and museums, and the nature of its iconic lakes and lush Superior National Forest, there are many reasons why you’re considering living in Minnesota. If Minnesota sounds like a state to you, you may be interested in which city fits your budget. When it comes to buying a home in Minnesota, the median home selling price is $354,200.
Even if that number is outside your budget, don’t worry, we have the option to help you find a home. Redfin has collected eight of the most affordable locations in Minnesota. And the best part is that they all have a median home selling price of less than $354,200. Dive in from St. Paul to Duluth and take a look at the cities on your list.
#1: St. Cloud
Median home price: $270,000
Average selling price per square foot: $134
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $923
Median household income: $50,335
Nearest Major Metro: Minneapolis (70 miles)
St. Cloud, Minnesota, for sale
St. Cloud, Minnesota Apartments Rental
The median home selling price is $270,000, making St. Cloud number one on the list of most affordable locations in Minnesota. The city is home to about 68,900 people, about 70 miles from Minneapolis’ nearest major metro. If you’re considering moving to this area, make sure to explore Mansinger Garden along the Mississippi River, stroll through downtown St. Cloud, or check out St. Cloud State University’s campus.
#2: St. Paul
Median home price: $296,000
Average selling price per square foot: $200
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,462
Median household income: $59,717
Nearest Major Metro: Minneapolis (12 miles)
St. Paul, Minnesota Home for Sale
St. Paul, Minnesota Apartments
Take the second spot in Minnesota on the list of affordable cities, St. Paul, half of the Twin City. When you live in the city of 311,500, you can visit the Minnesota State Capitol and take a walk or ride a bike along the Mississippi River. The St. Paul area requires plenty of exploration, so head to ice skating at the landmark centres and shops at St. Paul Farmers Market and enjoy fresh local produce.
>>Read: Popular St. Paul, Minnesota, Neighborhood
#3: Duluth
Median home price: $310,000
Average selling price per square foot: $187
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,405
Median household income: $54,084
Nearest Major Metro: Minneapolis (155 miles)
Duluth Minnesota Home for Sale
Duluth, Minnesota Apartments Rental
Approximately 86,700 people live in Duluth, located along the coast of Lake Superior. The median home selling price is $310,000, which is about $40,000 less than the median home selling price in Minnesota. Visit the Glenseane Mansion, take a scenic drive along the North Shore, visit the Lake Superior Zoo, or travel to the sixth most affordable city, walk or bike along the Duluth Lake Walk.
#4: Rochester
Median home price: $335,000
Average selling price per square foot: $174
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,544
Median household income: $59,717
Nearest Major Metro: St. Paul (80 miles)
Rochester, Minnesota Home for Sale
Rochester, Minnesota Apartments Rental
The fourth city on the list of the most affordable locations in Minnesota is Rochester, located in the southern part of the state. With around 121,400 residents in Rochester, visit museums and historic sites like the Olmsted County History Center and the Historic Home in Maywood. You can also spend time exploring the natural trails of Quarry Hill Nature Center outdoors, or rent a boat to head out to Silver Lake.
#5: Coon Rapids
Median home price: $339,950
Average selling price per square foot: $192
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,539
Median household income: $59,717
Nearest Major Metro: Minneapolis (16 miles)
Coon Rapids, Minnesota Home for Sale
COON Rapids, Mn Apartments for Rent
Another great area to add to your list is Coon Rapids, located 16 miles north of Minneapolis. With 63,600 residents, this affordable town is a great option to add to your list. Living in Coon Rapids allows you to explore Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park and spend the afternoon at Kuzuchi Lake.
Jody Jacobson via Getty Images
#6: Minneapolis
Median home price: $340,000
Average selling price per square foot: $230
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,579
Median household income: $66,068
Minneapolis, Minnesota Home Sale
Minneapolis, Minnesota Apartments
Minneapolis, the other half of the Twin City, is the sixth spot on our list. Home prices are about $15,000 less than the state average. And with around 429,900 people living in Minneapolis, it’s a great place to consider living this year. Check out all the local vendors at Minneapolis Farmers Market and visit museums such as the Minneapolis Art Institute, Walker Art Center, and Bucken Museum. You can also spend the day exploring the lake chains and stopping by the stone arch bridge. No matter which neighborhood you travel in Minneapolis, there are countless things to do in this city.
>>Read: Popular Minneapolis, Minnesota, Neighborhood
#7: Brooklyn Park
Median home price: $345,000
Average selling price per square foot: $179
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,114
Median household income: $73,207
Nearest Major Metro: Minneapolis (11 miles)
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Home for Sale
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Apartments Rental
It’s Brooklyn Park that claims the next location on the list of affordable locations to live in Minnesota. With a population of around 86,500 people, living in Brooklyn Park is a great option for anyone looking for a medium-sized city. Don’t miss out on visiting one of the town’s parks, exploring Mississippi’s Gateway Regional Park, or moving into the area.
#8: Burnsville
Median home price: $350,000
Average selling price per square foot: $173
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,544
Median household income: $76,017
Nearest Major Metro: Minneapolis (17 miles)
Home for Sale in Burnsville, Minnesota
Burnsville, Minnesota Apartment Rental
Last but not least, Barnesville is a list of the most affordable places to live in Minnesota. Approximately 64,300 people live in Burnsville, just south of the Twin City. Living in Burnsville, spend the day at Crystal Lake, hiking along the Black Dog Trail, or visiting the nearby Minnesota Zoo.
Methodology: Every city requires more than 50,000 residents per US census, and must have a median home selling price under the median Minnesota average home selling price. Median home sales prices and median sales prices per square foot from Redfin Data Center in April 2025. Average rental data from April 2025. Median household income data from the population and US Census Bureau.
