The other twin of “The Twin Cities,” Saint Paul, MN, is one of the great destinations to live in the Midwest. With historical museums and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Saint Paul is also home to nearly 311,500 people.
As more people move to Saint Paul, it’s important to keep in mind that the median home sale price is $275,000 and the average sale price per square foot is $181. Or if you’re a renter, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Saint Paul is $1,558.
If those prices don’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to live, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best affordable Saint Paul suburbs. And they’re all less than 30 minutes away from the city. No matter where you live, you’ll still be close enough to Saint Paul to explore the city’s great neighborhoods without the price of living there.
#1: St. Anthony
Median home price: $135,000
Average sale price per square foot: $150
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,540
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 15 minutes
St. Anthony, MN homes for sale
St. Anthony, MN apartments for rent
St. Anthony, with a median home sale price of $135,000, takes the number one spot on our list of affordable Saint Paul suburbs. About 5,600 people live in this suburban area, and you’ll only be about a 15-minute drive away from downtown Saint Paul. If you’re considering moving to this area, visit the St. Anthony Falls Historic Site or take a walk or bike ride along the Mississippi River.
#2: Inver Grove Heights
Median home price: $285,000
Average sale price per square foot: $181
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,485
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 15 minutes
Inver Grove Heights, MN homes for sale
Inver Grove Heights, MN apartments for rent
Inver Grove Heights is Saint Paul’s second best affordable suburb. The same distance from Saint Paul as St. Anthony, you can visit the Minnesota State Capitol in no time. Living in Inver Grove Heights, you’ll want to visit the Inver Grove Heights Heritage Village or check out one of the city’s many parks. In this suburb of 35,800 people, you can also spend the day checking out the charming downtown.
#3: Roseville
Median home price: $315,000
Average sale price per square foot: $172
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 10 minutes
Roseville, MN homes for sale
Roseville, MN apartments for rent
10 minutes away from downtown, you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Roseville. From parks and outdoor recreation to shopping and dining, there are lots of things that make Roseville a great place to live. If you find yourself moving here, visit the Roseville History Center or attend a show at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
#4: Oakdale
Median home price: $320,000
Average sale price per square foot: $180
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,574
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 10 minutes
Oakdale, MN homes for sale
Oakdale, MN apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Roseville is Oakdale, the next suburb on our list. Even with a population close to 28,300, there’s still plenty to do in this Saint Paul suburb. Plan to spend the day at visit the Oakdale Nature Preserve for hiking, biking, and nature watching, catch a show at the Oakdale Dinner Theatre, or go fishing or boating on Lake Elmo.
“Our winery is located close to both Twin Cities, just 17 miles north of the intersection of I-694 and Highway 65. One-half mile West of Highway 65 on Constance Boulevard, in Ham Lake,” provides Willow Tree Vineyard & Winery. “The winery features a park-like setting and has a tasting room full of wines from cold-climate grapes and locally grown fruits. Our Tasting Room is open year-round: Thursday thru Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. The facility hosts picnics, weddings, benefits, and other private events as well.”
#5: Maplewood
Median home price: $325,000
Average sale price per square foot: $171
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,641
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 10 minutes
Maplewood, MN homes for sale
Maplewood, MN apartments for rent
About a 10-minute drive into the city, add Maplewood to your list of Saint Paul suburbs to consider moving to. With 42,000 people living in this affordable town, Maplewood is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Saint Paul without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Maplewood, you can go ice skating at the outdoor rink at the Maplewood Community Center, play in the snow at one of the city’s many parks, or visit the Maplewood Nature Center.
#6: Little Canada
Median home price: $337,450
Average sale price per square foot: $157
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 5 minutes
Little Canada, MN homes for sale
Little Canada, MN apartments for rent
Sixth on our list is another well-known Saint Paul suburb, Little Canada. With roughly 10,800 people calling Little Canada home, it’s a great area to consider renting or buying a home in. And there are lots of activities to do in this suburb. You can take in the views at Gervais Lake, go bowling or play a game of pool at one of the local hotspots, or enjoy an afternoon at one of the parks, among many other favorites.
#7: Vadnais Heights
Median home price: $455,250
Average sale price per square foot: $182
Driving distance from Saint Paul: 10 minutes
Vadnais Heights, MN homes for sale
Vadnais Heights, MN apartments for rent
Rounding out our list of affordable Saint Paul suburbs is none other than Vadnais Heights. With a population of close to 12,900, living in Vadnais Heights is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Saint Paul. If you are moving to this suburb, visit the Vadnais Heights Sports Center, take a walk or bike ride through one of the city’s beautiful parks, or head into St. Paul to check out a book at the Rice Street Library.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Saint Paul and under a 30-minute drive from downtown Saint Paul. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
Learn more about Saint Paul:
7 Fun Facts About St. Paul: How Well Do You Know Your City?
21 Popular Saint Paul Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Saint Paul in 2023
14 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Saint Paul, MN. for Newcomers
Minneapolis, MN, “The City of Lakes,” is quickly becoming home for many Minnesotans and out-of-staters alike. With its picturesque views of the Mississippi River, outstanding restaurants, and iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that close to 445,000 people live in Minneapolis.
And if you’re thinking about moving to the city, you’ll find that the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Minneapolis is $1,625, the median home sale price is $340,000, and the housing market is somewhat competitive.
If those prices are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. We’ve rounded up a list of the 10 best affordable Minneapolis suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 35-minute drive from the city. From a reasonable commute time to an easy weekend getaway, you’ll still be close enough to Minneapolis to explore all the city has to offer – without the price of living there.
#1: Hopkins
Median home price: $272,500
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Hopkins, MN homes for sale
Hopkins, MN apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $272,500, Hopkins lands the number one spot on our list as the most affordable Minneapolis suburb. Just about a 15-minute drive away from Minneapolis, you won’t miss out on finding all the city’s hidden gems. Living in Hopkins, you can spend time exploring Burnes Park, learning about the area’s history at the Hopkins Historical Society, or checking out the exhibits at Hopkins Center for the Arts.
#2: Hastings
Median home price: $285,000
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 35 minutes
Hastings, MN homes for sale
Hastings, MN apartments for rent
Minneapolis’s second most affordable suburb, Hastings has a median home sale price of $285,000. Only 35 minutes from the city center, you’ll be visiting Minnehaha Regional Park in just a quick drive. While living in Hastings, make sure to explore Hastings Water Park or grab a bite to eat at one of the many riverfront restaurants.
#3: Circle Pines
Median home price: $291,000
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 20 minutes
Circle Pines, MN homes for sale
Circle Pines, MN apartments for rent
20 minutes away from downtown Minneapolis, you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Circle Pines. Even with a population of about 5,000, there are plenty of cool areas to explore in Circle Pines. If you find yourself moving here, make sure to visit Golden Lake Park to spend a sunny afternoon fishing, boating, or playing tennis.
#4: Lexington (tie)
Median home price: $300,000
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 20 minutes
Lexington, MN homes for sale
Lexington, MN apartments for rent
Located just west of Circle Pines is Lexington, the next suburb on our list. About 4,500 people live in this Minneapolis suburb, where you’ll find Lexington Memorial Park. And weekend trips into downtown Minneapolis won’t take you too long, only about 20 minutes if you’re lucky to catch a traffic-free drive.
#4: Coon Rapids (tie)
Median home price: $300,000
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 30 minutes
Coon Rapids, MN homes for sale
Coon Rapids, MN apartments for rent
Tying Lexington for the fourth spot on our list is Coon Rapids. Just 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Coon Rapids is another great area to add to your list of places to consider moving to. Home to 65,000 residents, this affordable town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Minneapolis without paying the price for a home in the city. Living in Coon Rapids, you’ll find Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, the Mississippi River Regional Trail, and the Lilli Putt, a mini-golf course. Don’t forget to stop by Coon Rapids Ice Center as you’re checking out the town.
#6: Columbia Heights
Median home price: $312,500
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Columbia Heights, MN homes for sale
Columbia Heights, MN apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another well-known Minneapolis suburb, Columbia Heights, where the home prices are about $30K less than in Minneapolis. With roughly 20,300 people calling Columbia Heights home, it’s a great area to consider buying a house or renting an apartment in. There are lots of activities to do in this suburb like checking out Kordiak Park, among many other local favorites.
Take a 15 minute drive from Columbia Heights to visit, “The Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden. The Sculpture Garden is outdoors and you can see the infamous Cherry Spoon plus other works of art. It’s a great photo opportunity so be sure to bring your camera,” recommends Sarah Pierce, Owner of Minneapolis Headshots.
#7: Fridley
Median home price: $314,000
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Fridley, MN homes for sale
Fridley, MN apartments for rent
Seventh on our list of affordable Minneapolis suburbs is Fridley, which is almost 15 minutes away from the heart of the city. With a population of about 28,000, living in Fridley is a great alternative to city life. Don’t miss out on visiting Moore Lake Park or Manomin Park once living in Fridley.
Just a 20 minute drive from Fridley, Erin Johnson Photography suggest, “I enjoy walking the Stone Arch Bridge and the areas around the bridge on both sides of the Mississippi River. Minneapolis is filled with great food, breweries and coffee shops. I would suggest the Spyhouse for a gourmet coffee, Brasa for an amazing meal, and Surly Brewing for a great indoor/outdoor experience with a beer in hand.”
#8: Robbinsdale
Median home price: $321,500
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Robbinsdale, MN homes for sale
Robbinsdale, MN apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in Minneapolis for a while, chances are you know of Robbinsdale. About 14,000 people live in Robbinsdale, so you’ll have a fraction of Minneapolis’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Make sure to visit Lakeview Terrace Park, Manor Park, or the art exhibits at Robbin Gallery once you move to Robbinsdale.
“We absolutely love going to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts,” mentions Nicole Spangler Photography. “We are so lucky to have works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more in Minnesota.”
#9: Brooklyn Park
Median home price: $323,000
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 15 minutes
Brooklyn Park, MN homes for sale
Brooklyn Park, MN apartments for rent
Without traffic, you’ll be in downtown Minneapolis in about 15 minutes, making Brooklyn Park a great place to consider moving to. Close to 80,000 people live in this suburb, but you’ll find lots to do in Brooklyn Park. Fun activities to check out in Brooklyn Park include exploring Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and the Brooklyn Park Activity Center.
Just a 15 minute drive from Brooklyn Park is, “a cluster of beautiful lakes and trails, known as the Chain of Lakes, that offer all sorts of opportunities for free outdoor recreation,” recommends Lulle Photo & Film. “The five interconnected lakes span over 6 miles, so there’s plenty of space to explore. Take a walk or bike ride around the lakes. There’s activities for everyone: enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and relaxing by the water. Also, there are a lot free concerts and movie nights at the Bandshell at one of the five lakes, Lake Harriet.”
#10: Farmington
Median home price: $335,212
Driving distance from Minneapolis: 35 minutes
Farmington, MN homes for sale
Farmington, MN apartments for rent
Rounding out our list of affordable Minneapolis suburbs is Farmington. If you’re lucky to avoid traffic, it’ll only take about 35 minutes to drive into Minneapolis. This suburb has a population of 23,000 and is home to Fountain Valley Golf Club and Rambling River Park. There’s always something to check out while living in this awesome suburb.
Other affordable things to do in Minneapolis
1. Minneapolis Institute of Art
“If you’re into the arts, I highly recommend checking out The Minneapolis Institute of Art [MIA]. Admissions are free at the MIA. This place is perfect for a free date night in the city. You can explore the museum’s vast collection, featuring art over 6,000 years ago. You can also enjoy special events such as artist talks and live music,” recommends Lulle Photo & Film.
2. Minnehaha Falls
“My favorite park in Minneapolis is Minnehaha Falls. The trails, the iconic waterfall, and the amazing restaurant Sea Salt is a Minneapolis Classic. I love bringing my dog for a walk around the trails near the falls; and then to Minnehaha Dog Park just a short distance away. It’s a great off-leash area, and a spot for pups to play together,” provides Lulle Photo & Film.
3. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
“The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has indoor and outdoor gardens that change throughout the seasons. Be sure to visit their Apple House in the fall for the best fresh picked apples, the home of the original honey crisp apple,” recommends Sarah Pierce from Minneapolis Headshots.
4. Central Park Maple Grove
“The City of Maple Grove features award winning parks and recreational opportunities,” suggests Economic Development Director of Maple Grove, Brett Angell. “During the winter months, the ice skating loop at Central Park of Maple Grove offers a great opportunity for leisure skating for all ages.”
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb is less than the median sale price of Minneapolis and under a 35-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during April 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com May 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.