Shocking Salary Needs Revealed: This Is How Much You REALLY Need To Live In Minnesota
Think you’re making enough? Discover the staggering salaries single adults need to survive in Minnesota’s toughest times. 💸 #News #Minnesota #InflationCrisis
The True Cost of Comfort
ST. PAUL, MN – Living in Minnesota is getting pricier. Inflation continues to surge, making it tough for many residents to keep up with rising costs. For those living on a single income, the financial pressure is even more intense.
Understanding the Budget Breakdown
A recent study by SmartAsset sheds light on the earnings required for a single adult to live comfortably in Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as various Minnesota cities. This analysis uses the 50/30/20 budget rule, which allocates 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, the numbers are striking. A single adult needs to earn an hourly wage of $44.98, which translates to an annual salary of $93,558. For a household with two working adults and two children, the total required income skyrockets to $261,914.
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St. Paul
St. Paul presents a slightly lower, yet still significant, cost of living. Here, a single adult must earn $42 per hour or an annual salary of $87,360. For two working adults raising two children, the combined income needed is $256,589.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
These figures reflect not only the rising prices of goods and services but also the hidden costs of striving for financial security. Living paycheck to paycheck is a constant stress for many, and the recommended 50/30/20 budget aims to provide a buffer against this stress.
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Average Income Needs Across Major U.S. Cities
On average, a single person needs to earn about $96,500 annually to achieve financial comfort in a major U.S. city. For families, the bar is set even higher, with an average combined income of around $235,000 required to support two adults and two children without financial strain.
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High-Cost Cities
The study highlights several cities where the cost of living is particularly steep. For instance, single adults in New York City need to earn an hourly wage of $66.62, or an annual salary of $138,570, to live comfortably. Families in cities like San Francisco and San Jose need combined incomes exceeding $300,000 to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
More Affordable Alternatives
Conversely, some cities offer a more affordable living standard. In Houston, Texas, a single adult needs an annual salary of $75,088, while in El Paso, the requirement is $75,254. These cities provide a stark contrast to the high living costs of places like New York and San Francisco.
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Conclusion
The financial landscape for single adults in Minnesota is challenging, with high wages needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
As inflation continues to impact the economy, the strain on single-income households is likely to persist. For those navigating these tough times, understanding and applying the 50/30/20 budget rule can be a crucial step toward financial stability.
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Read the full study here.