Minnetonka, mn (Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins: 2015, apartments, rent)

[The_Explorer]

Hi Everyone!

I've applied a Business Analyst job [Entry Level] at UnitedHealthCare in Minnetonka, MN. I decided to do an early research on the cost of living in Minnetonka, MN in case I get a job offer and I know what salary I should ask for so I can be at least financially stable. It appears that Minnetonka as a high living cost like any other city.

I'm from Massachusetts. I'm trying to figure out what salary I should asked for since I'm planning to live closer to work in case I'm late due to shoveling the snow. I haven't check what the rent is for a studio apartment there yet and if the plow the snow out of the parking lot. I do plan to bring my car as well. Only thing I owe so far is my student loans and I'll be done with my car loans by June 2015.

I looked at salary.com, but I'm not sure how accurate it is. This will my first time moving out of the state. I know I have to figure out what my monthly expense would be such as food, car loan, gas, rent, internet, etc.

I did researched through the forum to see if someone has posted a similar question like I did, but it didn't regard much to Minnetonka, MN.

Thank you in advance!

[MidwestRedux]

Minnetonka is an upscale suburb located about 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. It is probably the equivalent of what Lexington is to Boston.

You will find the Minneapolis area to be slightly less expensive than most of Massachusetts. Traffic, congestion and parking are less of an issue than they are in eastern and central Mass. You will be able to find much nicer housing for less money than if you were anywhere in or around Boston.

If you want to be close to work, you could look at Minnetonka, Minneapolis and several other suburbs that would provide a wide range of housing options.

In other words, a job that pays 10%-20% less here would give you comparable or more purchasing power than a job in a Boston suburb along 128 or 495.

[GBCommenter]

I would also consider the suburbs of Hopkins, St. Louis Park if you get a job in Minnetonka. Those suburbs are still relatively close for commute to work and may be less expensive than Minnetonka.

Being first ring suburbs (Hopkins and SLP), you'll likely find older apartment buildings and housing, but somewhat more character.

[lexuses82]

I would agree what MidwestRedux is saying. Minnetonka is an upscale suburb that is geared toward older population. If you are starting out, I would look at St Louis Park or parts of Hopkins. Houses and apartments will be less.