Setting the Stage for Comfort in Burnsville
When it comes to living comfortably in Burnsville in 2025, income expectations vary based on your household size and lifestyle preferences. With a cost of living index of 106.2, Burnsville is slightly more expensive than the national average. The median household income in the city is $76,881, providing a helpful benchmark for what many residents earn to support their desired standard of living.
In Burnsville, most residents own their homes, with a homeownership rate of 66.8%. The median home value is $297,400, while renters can expect to pay around $1,187 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. These housing norms, combined with other essential expenses, shape how much you need to earn to feel financially secure in this Twin Cities suburb.
Breaking Down the Essentials
To calculate the monthly income needed to live comfortably in Burnsville, let’s start with the necessary expenses:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (1 Adult) |
|---|---|
| Housing (1BR Apartment) | $1,187 |
| Utilities | $146 |
| Groceries | $388 |
| Transportation | $362 |
| Healthcare | $477 |
| Total Essential Monthly Costs | $2,560 |
To cover these essentials comfortably, a single adult in Burnsville should aim for a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of around $3,200. This allows for some flexibility and savings on top of necessary living costs.
🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR apartment in Burnsville is $1,187 per month.
Comfort Tiers by Household Type
The income needed to live comfortably in Burnsville scales up with household size and lifestyle expectations. Here’s a comparison of gross monthly income ranges for different household types:
| Household Type | Comfortable Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Single Adult | $3,200 – $4,500 |
| Couple without Children | $4,500 – $6,500 |
| Family of Four | $6,500 – $9,000 |
In Burnsville, a couple may live comfortably on $4,500 to $6,500 per month, depending on their housing choice and discretionary spending. However, families with children usually need more space and face additional costs like childcare, pushing their comfortable income range higher.
Don’t Forget These Hidden Costs
When estimating how much you need to live comfortably in Burnsville, factor in these often-overlooked expenses that can significantly impact your monthly budget:
- Childcare: In Burnsville, full-time infant care averages $1,341 per month, adding substantially to a family’s expenses.
- HOA dues: Some neighborhoods in Burnsville have homeowners associations (HOAs) with monthly dues ranging from $150 to $300 or more, on top of mortgage payments.
- Commuting costs: With an average one-way commute of 24.3 minutes in Burnsville, transportation expenses like gas, vehicle maintenance, or public transit fares can add up.
- Seasonal utility spikes: Burnsville residents often see their energy bills rise in the summer due to air conditioning needs, with electricity rates around 14.09¢/kWh.
Stretching Your Burnsville Budget
While living costs in Burnsville are slightly above the national average, there are ways to make your income go further:
- Shop strategically for groceries, as Burnsville’s grocery prices are about 6.5% lower than the U.S. average. Using coupons and buying in bulk can lead to significant savings.
- Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates to save on cooling costs in the summer. Shifting energy-intensive activities to lower-priced hours can help manage utility bills.
- Consider public transit for your commute. Burnsville has a lower-than-average transportation cost index of 88.9, and using bus routes or park-and-ride lots can reduce vehicle expenses.
🏆 Tip: With electricity at 14.09¢/kWh in Burnsville, using off-peak billing and energy-efficient appliances can save $30 to $50 per month on utility costs.
Finding Your Comfort Zone
The income needed to live comfortably in Burnsville ultimately depends on your household size, housing preferences, and lifestyle choices. Here are some guidelines based on life stage and family structure:
- Young professionals: Singles may manage on $3,200/month, with flexibility for dining out and entertainment. Couples often need $4,500+ to afford a comfortable apartment and discretionary spending.
- Growing families: Households with children should aim for $6,500 to $9,000+/month to cover housing, childcare, and future savings goals comfortably. Larger living spaces and kid-related costs add up quickly.
- Empty nesters: Couples without dependent children can live well on $4,500 to $6,500/month, with more budget flexibility for hobbies, travel, and dining out.
FAQs About Comfortable Living in Burnsville
What is a comfortable salary in Burnsville in 2025?
A comfortable salary in Burnsville ranges from $38,400 to $54,000 per year ($3,200 to $4,500 per month) for a single adult, depending on housing choices and lifestyle preferences. Couples and families will need higher incomes to live comfortably.
Can you live comfortably in Burnsville on $4,000/month?
Yes, a single person can live comfortably in Burnsville on a gross monthly income of $4,000. This allows for a decent one-bedroom apartment, essential expenses, and some discretionary spending. However, couples or families may find this income more challenging.
How much does a family of four need to live well in Burnsville?
For a family of four to live comfortably in Burnsville, a gross monthly income of $6,500 to $9,000+ is recommended. This factors in the cost of a larger home or apartment, childcare, increased food and utility costs, and savings goals.
Do childcare and HOA fees significantly raise income needs in Burnsville?
Yes, childcare and HOA fees can significantly impact how much a household needs to live comfortably in Burnsville. Full-time infant care averages $1,341 per month, while HOA dues can add $150 to $300+ to monthly housing costs for some homeowners.
Is Burnsville more affordable than nearby cities for middle-class families?
Burnsville’s cost of living is slightly lower than some nearby cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, but higher than others such as Lakeville and Savage. Housing costs and commute times are key factors for middle-class families to consider when comparing affordability in the region.
The Bottom Line on Burnsville Living
To recap, here are the gross monthly income ranges needed to live comfortably in Burnsville in 2025:
- Single adults: $3,200 to $4,500
- Couples: $4,500 to $6,500
- Families of four: $6,500 to $9,000+
While the median household income in Burnsville is $76,881 ($6,407/month), most families will need 1.2 to 1.5 times that to achieve a comfortable lifestyle that balances housing, childcare, discretionary spending, and savings goals.
Ultimately, how much you need to live comfortably in Burnsville depends on your unique circumstances and priorities. Use this guide as a starting point for your budget planning, and don’t forget to explore other resources on the cost of living in Burnsville as you prepare for your next chapter in this welcoming Minnesota suburb.