What Salary You Need to Live in Plymouth, MN

A tree-lined suburban street in Plymouth, Minnesota with wet asphalt and reflections of palm trees in puddles after a rain shower.
Palm-lined avenue in Plymouth after a spring shower.

Let’s Set the Stage

For many, living comfortably means balancing affordable housing with convenient amenities, but the cost varies greatly across neighborhoods in Plymouth. When considering how much it costs to live comfortably in Plymouth in 2025, it’s important to look at income benchmarks, housing norms, and regional expectations.

A comfortable lifestyle in Plymouth might mean renting a spacious apartment near parks and trails for some, while others may prioritize owning a home with a yard in a quiet neighborhood. The key is finding the right balance of needs and wants that fits your budget.

Essential Monthly Costs

Let’s break down the necessary expenses for living in Plymouth:

ExpenseMonthly Cost
Housing (1BR Rent)$1,400
Utilities$150
Transportation$200
Groceries$350
Healthcare$450
Total$2,550

This budget example covers the bare minimum for a single person in Plymouth. Of course, your actual costs will vary depending on your specific situation and lifestyle.

🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR in Plymouth: $1,400/month.

Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type

The amount of income needed to live comfortably in Plymouth depends largely on your household size and composition. Here’s a quick comparison:

Household TypeComfortable Monthly Income (Pre-Tax)
Single adult$3,500 – $4,500
Couple without children$5,000 – $6,500
Family of four$7,500 – $10,000

In Plymouth, a couple without kids might be able to live comfortably on $5,000/month gross income, but families often need more space, pushing housing costs higher. With children in the picture, expenses like childcare, healthcare, and transportation can add up quickly.

Hidden or Overlooked Costs

When budgeting for life in Plymouth, don’t forget to account for some commonly overlooked expenses:

  • HOA fees: In some neighborhoods of Plymouth, homeowners can pay up to $300/month for HOA dues, while renters might only face minimal service fees.
  • Childcare: For working parents, childcare is often one of the biggest expenses. Expect to pay around $1,200/month for infant care or $800/month for preschool.
  • Commute costs: If you work outside of Plymouth, factor in the cost of gas, parking, or public transit passes. A monthly transit pass is about $100.
  • Seasonal utilities: In Plymouth, heating costs can spike in the winter months. Budget an extra $50-$100/month to cover higher gas or electric bills.

Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Plymouth

Living comfortably in Plymouth doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Many residents save on monthly expenses with some smart strategies:

Take advantage of local programs and discounts, like the Plymouth Yard Waste Coupon which provides $6 off yard waste disposal. Shopping at discount grocery stores like ALDI or using couponing apps can also help trim your food budget.

Many Plymouth residents save on utilities by using off-peak rates for electricity in the summer months. Installing solar panels is another way to reduce energy costs long-term, with many local solar providers offering free installation.

Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?

The cost of living comfortably in Plymouth really comes down to your individual priorities and stage of life. Consider these lifestyle profiles:

If you value space and privacy, a $4,500/month lifestyle may be more realistic for a single person in Plymouth, allowing you to rent a larger apartment or even a small house.

Young professionals may find it easier to manage a more compact budget of around $3,500/month, especially if they’re willing to have a roommate or live in a smaller apartment. Families, on the other hand, will need more flexibility for expenses like childcare, transportation, and healthcare, which can push the comfortable threshold closer to $7,500-$10,000/month.

FAQs About Comfort & Cost

What is a comfortable salary in Plymouth?
For a single person, a salary of $50,000 ($4,150/month gross) would cover a comfortable lifestyle in most parts of Plymouth. Couples can live well on a combined income of $70,000 ($5,800/month), while families may need closer to $100,000 ($8,300/month).

Can you live well on $3,000/month in Plymouth?

A monthly budget of $3,000 is doable for a single person in Plymouth, but may require some tradeoffs on housing or discretionary spending. Sticking to a smaller apartment, cooking at home, and using public transit or a bike can help make this budget work.

What costs surprise new residents in Plymouth?
New Plymouth residents are often caught off guard by the high cost of childcare, which can rival housing in terms of monthly expenses. Parking and gas costs for commuters can also add up quickly. In winter, heating bills can come as a shock for those not used to Minnesota weather.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, how much you need to live comfortably in Plymouth comes down to your unique needs and wants. For most single adults, a gross monthly income between $3,500 to $4,500 is a good benchmark, while couples will want to aim for $5,000 to $6,500. Families should plan on budgeting $7,500 to $10,000 per month to cover all the essentials and leave some room for extras.

Of course, these are just general guidelines. Your specific cost of living in Plymouth will depend on factors like your neighborhood, housing type, transportation needs, and lifestyle preferences. Use these ranges as a starting point, and then customize a budget that works for you.

Ready to plan your move to Plymouth? Compare moving company costs and options to find the best fit for your needs and budget. With a little preparation and smart budgeting, you can enjoy all that Plymouth has to offer without straining your wallet.