Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,192 in Minnesota. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Minnesota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $80,269 in Minnesota — about 19% higher in Minnesota. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.875%
+0.9 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
9.85%
+6.3 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,192
+36% in Minnesota
Median Home Value
$221,500
$345,600
+56% in Minnesota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$80,269
+24% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
47.4°F
+10.8°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Minnesota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Minnesota?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 26% below Minnesota's $1,192, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Minnesota?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $35,000 a year in Kentucky versus $48,000 in Minnesota.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Minnesota?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Minnesota — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.