Plymouth is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,950 and slightly higher grocery and utility costs compared to national averages.
Imagine you’re Emily, a young professional who just accepted a job offer in Plymouth, MN. As you start apartment hunting and budgeting for your move, you quickly realize that the cost of living in this desirable Twin Cities suburb is higher than you anticipated. Let’s break down what it really costs to live comfortably in Plymouth in 2025.
Housing Costs in Plymouth
Housing is the biggest expense for most Plymouth residents. A typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for $1,800 to $2,100 per month, with prices varying based on location, amenities, and age of the building. If you’re looking to purchase a home, expect to pay $450,000 to $600,000 for a 3-bedroom single-family house in neighborhoods like Wedgewood, Gleason Lake, or Vicksburg Village.
Some key differences in housing costs across Plymouth:
- Newer luxury apartment complexes near Highway 169 or I-494 tend to have higher rents, often over $2,200/month.
- Older homes and townhomes in established neighborhoods like Wayzata Woods or Sunset Hill are relatively more affordable, with prices starting around $350,000.
- Many single-family neighborhoods have active homeowners associations (HOAs), which can add $200 to $400 per month in fees on top of your mortgage.
Utility Costs
In Plymouth, basic utilities for a 1,000 sq ft apartment average $180 to $220 per month. This includes electricity, natural gas, water, and trash service. Keep in mind that heating costs can spike during the cold Minnesota winters, while summer air conditioning also drives up electric bills.
| Utility | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $80 – $120 |
| Natural gas (heating) | $60 – $100 |
| Water + Sewer | $40 – $60 |
| Trash/Recycling | $20 – $30 |
Groceries and Food
For a single person in Plymouth, plan on spending around $350 to $450 per month on groceries and household essentials. This assumes mostly cooking at home, with occasional meals out. A typical grocery trip might include:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.75
- Dozen eggs: $2.50
- Pound of chicken breast: $4.50
Dining out is a bit pricier in Plymouth compared to other parts of Minnesota. Expect to pay around $15 for a basic meal at a casual restaurant, or $30+ per person at nicer establishments.
Taxes in Plymouth
As a Plymouth resident, you’ll pay a 7.275% sales tax on most purchases, which includes the 6.875% Minnesota state sales tax plus a 0.5% Hennepin County transit tax. The property tax rate in Plymouth averages 1.2%, so the owner of a $500,000 home would owe about $6,000 per year.
Minnesota also has a progressive state income tax, with rates from 5.35% to 9.85% depending on your income bracket. For a single filer earning $60,000 per year, the effective state income tax rate would be around 6.3%.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
To put it all together, here’s a sample monthly budget for a comfortable lifestyle in Plymouth:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,950 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $200 | $280 | $350 |
| Groceries & dining out | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Other necessities & savings | $600 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Gross Monthly Income Needed | $3,200 | $5,030 | $7,050 |
Keep in mind these are pre-tax income figures. With Plymouth’s higher cost of living, a single person may need to earn at least $38,000 per year to live comfortably, while a family of four would require a household income of over $84,000.
Lifestyle Considerations
While Plymouth’s cost of living is on the higher end for Minnesota, many residents find the tradeoff worthwhile for the city’s convenience, amenities, and overall quality of life. Commute times are reasonable, with most parts of Plymouth within a 20 to 30-minute drive of downtown Minneapolis or major employment centers along I-494.
Plymouth is known for its excellent schools, abundant parks and trails, and safe neighborhoods – all factors that tend to drive up housing costs. Compared to similar suburbs like Minnetonka or Eden Prairie, Plymouth offers a bit more affordability and newer housing stock on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Plymouth?
To live comfortably in Plymouth, plan on earning at least $3,200 per month ($38,000 per year) before taxes for a single person, or $7,000 monthly ($84,000 per year) for a family of four.
How much is an apartment in Plymouth MN?
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Plymouth rents for $1,800 to $2,100 per month as of 2025. Prices can be higher for newer luxury buildings or those with premium amenities.
Is Plymouth MN expensive?
Yes, Plymouth is considered moderately expensive compared to the rest of Minnesota and the US overall. The cost of living is around 15-20% higher than the national average, driven largely by housing costs.
What bills do I need to budget for in Plymouth?
In addition to rent or mortgage payments, plan on budgeting for utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash), groceries, dining out, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities like clothing or home goods. Don’t forget to account for savings and discretionary spending as well.
How do living costs in Plymouth compare to Minneapolis?
Plymouth is slightly less expensive than living in central Minneapolis. While housing costs are similar, Plymouth residents save a bit on utilities, transportation, and certain taxes. However, Plymouth is pricier than further-out suburbs or greater Minnesota.