Cost of Living in St. Cloud, MN

How far does a $70,000 salary go in St. Cloud? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,550 per year — combining federal taxes with Minnesota's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,206/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the St. Cloud metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $44,978, or roughly $3,748 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The St. Cloud metro has a cost of living index of 75.0 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 25% below the national average, St. Cloud is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in St. Cloud represents approximately 21% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.