Rentals in Minnesota

What to Know Before Renting in Minnesota

Minnesota rentals aren't concentrated in one big city. Instead, inventory is dispersed between the Twin Cities metro, lakeside neighborhoods, rural pockets, and college areas. Besides healthcare and corporate employment, the University of Minnesota and manufacturing jobs sustain demand across the southern and central parts of the state. As far as rents go, the North Star State has a wide price gap. In the most expensive markets around Minneapolis and high-end neighborhoods like North Loop and Uptown, rents can be over $1,000/mo more expensive than in low-cost markets. The most affordable Minnesota rentals are typically concentrated in smaller cities and northern regions, including Mankato and St. Cloud. Whether you're looking for luxury Minnesota rentals, lakefront cabins, or rural properties to the north, Rentler lists rental properties across Minnesota, updated daily as new listings come online.

How to Find Affordable Rentals in Minnesota

The best places to find affordable homes and cheap apartments in Minnesota are secondary cities outside of the Saint Paul area. Low-cost markets aren't concentrated in a specific geographic region, but renters can find budget-friendly units throughout the state depending on their lifestyle needs. For example, university students and healthcare professionals should target Mankato, while logistics workers and outdoorsy families can find great options in Duluth and Moorhead. Overall, renters with remote jobs or hybrid setups have the most flexibility, allowing them to prioritize low rents over proximity to popular employment corridors.

Frequently Asked Questions by Renters in Minnesota

What is the average rent in Minnesota?

Price points vary across cities, so renters should tailor their search based on their needs and budget. One of the most expensive suburbs is Minnetonka, for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. On the other hand, St. Cloud is known for its affordable apartments in Minnesota, with considerably lower prices for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Are there pet-friendly rentals in Minnesota?

Minnesota's green spaces and suburban neighborhoods make it one of the most pet-friendly rental markets in the Midwest. There are many houses for rent in Minnesota that are close to parks and trails, making them ideal for renters with bigger dogs. While landlords usually accept pets in large homes with yards, Minnesota apartments in downtown areas, and condos with HOAs aren't as lenient. While there are pet-friendly apartments, Minnesota landlords and property managers often enforce breed and weight limits. Since policies vary across Minnesota rentals, always ask the landlord directly. And if you have a service animal or an emotional support animal (ESA), let them know in advance.

Is there senior housing available in Minnesota?

Age-restricted communities are common throughout Minnesota, but Rochester and Saint Paul have the majority of the inventory. For 55+ communities and income-restricted assisted living facilities, most options have long waitlists. Since availability is often limited, try to apply early and look at multiple communities to help you secure a spot in senior housing. Minnesota's rural communities often have lower housing costs and shorter wait times, but they're not as close to transportation or retail.

Can I find furnished or short-term rentals in Minnesota?

For furnished and short-term rentals, most of the supply is in areas with traveling healthcare workers tied to the Mayo Clinic and corporate hubs, such as Bloomington, Duluth, and Maple Grove. To search for short-term properties and furnished rentals, Minnesota renters can use Rentler's 'furnished amenities' and 'lease length' filters.

Can I find luxury apartments in Minnesota?

As some of the most expensive and upscale markets, Downtown Wayzata, North Loop, and Edina are home to luxury apartments and Minnesota townhouse rentals. These areas have properties with premium amenities, unique designs, and convenient access to high-end dining and retail. Try Rentler's 'year built' filter, and then sort the results by highest price first to find luxury rentals throughout Minnesota.