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Cost of Living in South St. Paul

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

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$89,221
$1,222/mo

Median in area: $1,222

$286,980

Median in area: $286,980

$57,396

If you Rent

$1,428 /mo
Base Rent$1,222
Est. Utilities$206
% of Income19.2%
Pre-tax Residual$6,007

If you Buy

$2,179 /mo
P&I (7.01%)$1,529
Taxes & Ins$444
Est. Utilities$206
% of Income29.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,256

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in South St. Paul?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in South St. Paul. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,428, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,179 per month (a difference of $751).

How much do utilities cost in South St. Paul?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in South St. Paul is approximately $206. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in South St. Paul?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in South St. Paul without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $57,120 per year.