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Cost of Living in Ramsey County

Is it better to rent or buy in Ramsey County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$65,316
$772/mo

Median in area: $772

$202,468

Median in area: $202,468

$40,494

If you Rent

🔑
$989 /mo
Base Rent$772
Est. Utilities$217
% of Income18.2%
Pre-tax Residual$4,454

If you Buy

🏠
$1,563 /mo
P&I (7.168%)$1,096
Taxes & Ins$250
Est. Utilities$217
% of Income28.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,880

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Ramsey County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyTowner County, ND
$757/mo
countyWalsh County, ND
$826/mo
countyCavalier County, ND
$786/mo
countyNelson County, ND
$582/mo
countyBenson County, ND
$598/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Ramsey County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Ramsey County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $989, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,563 per month (a difference of $574).

How much do utilities cost in Ramsey County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Ramsey County is approximately $217. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Ramsey County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Ramsey County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,560 per year.