Minneapolis is a fantastic city—if you love tree-lined neighborhoods, endless lakes, and the kind of winters that make you question all of your life choices. While the Twin Cities have a lot to offer, affordable rent isn’t always one of them. Fortunately, if you’re willing to move just outside city limits, there are plenty of affordable Minneapolis suburbs where you can find cheaper rent, more space, and a much lower chance of paying $12 for a cup of coffee. Here’s a quick look at ten of the most affordable Minneapolis suburbs for renters in 2025.
Minneapolis’ Housing Market at a Glance
Minneapolis combines city energy with easy access to nature, but housing costs can make finding the right place a challenge. Fortunately, several nearby suburbs offer more affordable alternatives with extra space and a little less winter parking drama. Here’s a quick look at Minneapolis’ current housing prices before diving into ten of the most affordable Minneapolis suburbs.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Minneapolis | $1,614 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Minneapolis | $2,313 |
| Median home price in Minneapolis | $317,500 |
1. Brooklyn Park
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a place where you can afford rent and an occasional round of golf, Brooklyn Park is for you.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,064
- Distance from Minneapolis: 10 miles northwest
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 15 minutes
At $1,064 per month for a 1-bedroom, Brooklyn Park is the most affordable suburb on this list. Golfers will love Edinburgh USA Golf Course, a championship-level course where you can practice your swing while quietly wondering why you never went pro. Housing options in Brooklyn Park range from budget-friendly apartments to spacious townhomes, making it a great pick for anyone looking for affordability without sacrificing convenience.
2. Crystal
A small-town suburb where people still say hello to their neighbors, and the only traffic jam you’ll experience is behind a slow-moving dog walker.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,250
- Distance from Minneapolis: 8 miles northwest
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 15 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,250 per month, Crystal is proof that you don’t have to break the bank to live near the city. Bassett Creek Park is a local favorite, with disc golf, playgrounds, and walking trails where you can convince yourself you’re an “outdoorsy” person. For summer fun, Crystal Cove Aquatic Center is equipped with pools and water slides, making it the perfect place to cool off in the summer months.
3. Fridley
The perfect place for outdoorsy types who want easy access to hiking trails but also like the option of ordering takeout in under 20 minutes.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,295
- Distance from Minneapolis: 9 miles north
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 15 minutes
At $1,295 per month for a 1-bedroom, Fridley is a great choice if you like your rent low and your parks plentiful. Springbrook Nature Center is a 127-acre park with trails, wetlands, and enough wildlife to make you feel like David Attenborough. If you prefer your time outside in a more natural environment, Commons Park has sports facilities, playgrounds, and open areas where you can enjoy summer while it lasts. Housing options in Fridley include budget-friendly apartments, townhomes, and the kind of single-family homes that make you think, “Maybe I do need a backyard.”
4. New Brighton
A suburb so balanced between city convenience and peaceful parks that you’ll start wondering why you didn’t move here sooner.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,305
- Distance from Minneapolis: 10 miles north
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 15 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,305 per month, New Brighton hits the sweet spot between affordability and accessibility. Long Lake Regional Park has trails, swimming beaches, and beautiful views. Brightwood Hills Golf Course is a nine-hole course that’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking to work on their short game. Housing here includes everything from modern apartments to mid-century homes, making it a great option for commuters who still want a little breathing room.
5. Oakdale
A place where the lakes are scenic, the parks are endless, and the rent prices haven’t caught on to how great it actually is.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,345
- Distance from Minneapolis: 17 miles east
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 20 minutes
At $1,345 per month for a 1-bedroom, Oakdale offers quiet suburban living with plenty of nearby amenities. Oakdale Nature Preserve is a scenic retreat with trails, a discovery center, and a picturesque lake. For a more chaotic experience, Sky Zone Trampoline Park is great for kids, fitness junkies, or anyone who wants to bounce around and pretend they aren’t exhausted after five minutes.
6. White Bear Lake
The kind of town where every day feels like a summer vacation—except you don’t have to pack up and leave on Sunday.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,457
- Distance from Minneapolis: 19 miles northeast
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 23 minutes
At $1,457 per month for a 1-bedroom, White Bear Lake is perfect for people who enjoy waterfront living but are also not interested in going bankrupt. The town’s namesake, White Bear Lake, is a prime spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Downtown White Bear Lake has charming shops, great restaurants, and a historic armory that makes you feel like you’re walking through a postcard. Housing includes lakeside apartments, cozy cottages, and suburban homes that offer the best of both worlds.
7. Plymouth
The kind of place where you can go from a peaceful nature trail to a grocery store that sells kombucha in under five minutes.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,510
- Distance from Minneapolis: 12 miles west
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 20 minutes
Coming in at about $1,510 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Plymouth is one of those affordable Minneapolis suburbs that somehow manages to feel peaceful, spacious, and ridiculously convenient all at the same time. Housing options in Plymouth include modern apartments, spacious townhomes, and family-friendly neighborhoods with yards big enough to finally justify getting a dog. It’s the kind of suburb where life feels easy, rent is reasonable, and you don’t have to dodge e-scooters on your morning commute.
8. Coon Rapids
A hidden gem for people who like their rent low, their parks big, and their proximity to water just close enough to pretend they’ll take up kayaking.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,510
- Distance from Minneapolis: 16 miles north
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 25 minutes
At $1,510 per month for a 1-bedroom, Coon Rapids is the go-to suburb for people who love outdoor activities but hate high rent. Bunker Hills Regional Park has everything from golf courses to water parks. Meanwhile, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park provides breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, which makes it the perfect spot to take your out-of-town friends.
9. Burnsville
A suburb where you can shop all day, catch a live show at night, and still afford to go out for brunch the next morning.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,535
- Distance from Minneapolis: 15 miles south
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 20 minutes
At $1,535 per month for a 1-bedroom, Burnsville is for people who love city convenience but still want to avoid sky-high prices. Ames Center hosts concerts, theater performances, and events that will make you feel cultured even if you spend most of your time watching Netflix. For shopping, Burnsville Center has all the retail therapy you need, from department stores to local boutiques.
10. Richfield
If you love the idea of living near downtown but don’t love the idea of paying downtown prices, Richfield is your sweet spot.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,549
- Distance from Minneapolis: 9 miles south
- Drive time to Minneapolis: About 15 minutes
At $1,549 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Richfield is one of the pricier suburbs. That said, you’re paying for convenience, beautiful parks, and a community that feels like a hidden gem. Wood Lake Nature Center is a 150-acre preserve with trails and wildlife, making it a peaceful retreat from city life. Veterans Memorial Park has mini-golf, playgrounds, and picnic areas, ensuring that there’s always something to do. Housing options include everything from high-end apartments to cozy homes in well-kept neighborhoods.
Find your place in an affordable Minneapolis suburb
Finding affordable Minneapolis suburbs isn’t impossible—you just need to know where to look. If you want the absolute lowest rent, Brooklyn Park is the move. Looking for lakeside living without the outrageous price tag? White Bear Lake has your back. Want trendy vibes but refuse to pay city prices? Richfield is calling.
No matter your budget, there’s an affordable Minneapolis suburb where you can actually afford to live—and still have money left over for some quality snow boots.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Minneapolis’ average rent and under 25 miles from downtown Minneapolis. Average rental data from Minneapolis rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
