4 Most Affordable Duluth, MN Suburbs to Live In

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Updated on April 5th, 2023

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Duluth, MN, is home to 86,700 people and is most well-known for having the city’s large port on Lake Superior. This city by the lake is also known for its diverse array of recreational attractions. 

As more people move to Duluth, it’s important to know that the median home sale price is $244,950 and the average sale price per square foot is $151. And the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Duluth is $1,600.

If those numbers are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. We’ve collected the 4 best affordable Duluth suburbs to consider moving to. And the best part is that they’re all less than 40 minutes away from the city. No matter where you move, you’ll still be close enough to Duluth to explore the city’s great neighborhoods without the price of living there.

bridge in duluth minnesota on a cloudy day

#1: Superior, WI

Median home price: $187,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $118 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,050 
Driving distance from Duluth: 10 minutes
Superior, WI homes for sale
Superior, WI apartments for rent

With a median home sale price nearly $60K less than Duluth, Superior, WI, lands the number one spot on our list as the most affordable Duluth suburb. About a 10-minute drive from downtown Duluth, Superior is home to roughly 26,800 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area, visit the Fairlawn Mansion and Gardens, take a hike or bike ride on the Superior Hiking Trail, check out Amnicon Falls State Park, or take a scenic drive on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. You can also take a quick drive into the city to grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in Duluth.

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#2: Cloquet

Median home price: $220,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $150 
Driving distance from Duluth: 25 minutes
Cloquet, MN homes for sale
Cloquet, MN apartments for rent

Coming in as the second most affordable suburb in Duluth is Cloquet. Only 25 minutes from the city center, you can visit the Glensheen Mansion in just a quick drive. Living in Cloquet, you’ll want to visit the Cloquet Forestry Center or the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, take a hike through Jay Cooke State Park, or stroll down Cloquet’s Main Street.

lake superior in one of the duluth suburbs

#3: Moose Lake

Median home price: $238,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $151 
Driving distance from Duluth: 40 minutes
Moose Lake, MN homes for sale
Moose Lake, MN apartments for rent

Taking the third spot is Moose Lake. Just 40 minutes outside of Duluth, you’ll find the home prices are much less expensive. Even with a population of about 2,800, there are plenty of cool areas to explore in Moose Lake. If you find yourself moving here, make sure to visit the Moose Lake State Park, take a scenic drive down the Moose Lake Scenic Byway, or go fishing or canoeing on one of the many lakes in the area.

#4: Carlton

Median home price: $378,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $164 
Driving distance from Duluth: 25 minutes
Carlton, MN homes for sale
Carlton, MN apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Moose Lake is Carlton, the next suburb on our list. With a population close to 950, there’s still plenty to do in this Duluth suburb. Plan to spend the day white water rafting, camping at Jay Cooke State Park, or traveling across the swinging bridge.

Affordable things to do in Duluth

1. A day full of activities in Lakeside-Lester Park’s neighborhood

“Duluth’s Lakeside-Lester Park neighborhood offers the ability to fill an entire day with budget-friendly activities,” suggests the Owner of Duluth Studio Market, Stacey LaCoursiere. “You could start your day with a cup of coffee or tea at Amity coffee. Then, rent an e-bike from the E-Bike of Duluth for just $25 and hit the Lakewalk for incredible views of Lake Superior. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at New London Cafe for a Lift Bridge Bagel or avocado toast.”

“After your tasty brunch, you could find some art inspiration at Duluth Studio Market’s art and gift shop on 45th Ave East. If you’re a hobby quilter or knitter, browse the Yarn Harbor and Hannah Johnson Fabrics. Check out the river views at Lester Park. Finally, to finish your day off right, stop in for a happy hour at Lake Superior Brewing and feel amazed at all you’ve taken in today.”

2. Visit the Anchor Bar & Grill

“I suggest going across the bridge to Superior, WI, and visiting the Anchor Bar for the best hamburger in the world,” says JoAnn Jardine Studio One Photography.  “The Anchor Bar is a dive bar but also a maritime museum. It’s been around for about a hundred years. Regarding food, they make a variety of burgers (my favorite is the cashew burger) and fries, and their prices are low. They only accept cash, but there’s a cash machine in the house. This place is so good that it’s been featured on the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives show. It’s a must-see and eat place for the Twin Ports.”

3. Mountain biking

“One of my favorite affordable ways to spend my time in Duluth is to hit the mountain bike trails that are entirely free,” recommends CCBoyle Photography. “The city is filled with hundreds of miles of technical and scenic routes accessible throughout the city. After being out on the trail all day, I love to visit Love Creamery for a scoop of the most delicious homemade ice cream.”

4. Climb Enger Tower

“A favorite thing to do in Duluth is climbing to the top of Enger Tower,” suggests Shawna Vine Photography. “You can see the entire city, watch the ships come in, and hike the gorgeous grounds of the park.”

5. Spend the day in nature

“As an outdoorsy city, Duluth prides itself on its world-class hiking, biking, and skiing trails, city parks, natural areas, and Lake Superior,” mentions Melissa from the North Shore Explorer Guide. “One of my favorite things to do is to go to Canal Park to watch huge Lake Superior cargo ships pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge right downtown. While there, you can walk or bike on the Lakewalk along Lake Superior or visit one of the sand beaches on Park Point.”

Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Duluth and under a 40-minute drive from downtown Duluth. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com November 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
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Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about housing affordability and home interior design ideas. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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