True Cost of Renting in Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul is Minnesota's state capital and Minneapolis's twin — adjacent but distinct. The Green Line light rail connects the two downtown cores in 50 minutes. Saint Paul tends to run 10–15% below Minneapolis rents while offering similar quality of life and direct state government employment. Summit Avenue's historic mansions define the neighborhood character.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Summit-University / Grand Avenue
- Studio:
- $950/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
Saint Paul's most prestigious address along Grand Avenue and Summit Avenue; Victorian mansions and apartment buildings near Macalester College and St Thomas University. Walkable retail on Grand Avenue. Xcel Energy electric. Metro Transit bus access.
Lowertown
- Studio:
- $1,000/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,800/mo
Saint Paul's revitalized warehouse district adjacent to Union Depot (Green Line terminal); arts lofts and new construction apartments. Farmers Market on weekends. Green Line to Minneapolis in 50 minutes. Most urban and transit-accessible Saint Paul neighborhood.
Como Park
- Studio:
- $800/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,050/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,450/mo
North Saint Paul neighborhood adjacent to Como Lake and the free Como Zoo; craftsman-era apartment buildings and single-family rentals. Strong community identity. Metro Transit bus access. One of Saint Paul's most livable and affordable neighborhoods.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Xcel Energy (Northern States Power)
- Water
- Saint Paul Regional Water Services
- Internet
- Comcast Xfinity, CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber, Metronet
Commute & Transportation
The Green Line light rail runs from Union Depot in Lowertown through Downtown Saint Paul, Midway, and into Downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, connecting both downtowns in 50 minutes for $2.50. The Capitol Complex (state government employment) is walkable from Downtown Saint Paul. I-94 connects Saint Paul and Minneapolis by car in 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. MSP Airport is 10 miles south via I-35E and I-494.
Rental Market Overview
Saint Paul typically runs 10–15% below Minneapolis rents for comparable units — a meaningful saving if your employer is accessible via the Green Line or you work for state government. Xcel Energy serves both cities. Saint Paul's rent stabilization ordinance (3% cap, similar to Minneapolis) applies to older buildings. The city's walkable neighborhoods along Grand Avenue and Summit Avenue offer genuine quality of life at lower prices than comparable Minneapolis neighborhoods.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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