Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $1,126 in Minnesota. Overall, Maine runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Minnesota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $80,269 in Minnesota — about 28% higher in Minnesota. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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
5.5%
6.875%
+1.4 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
9.85%
+2.7 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,126
+27% in Minnesota
Median Home Value
$214,200
$287,500
+34% in Minnesota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$80,269
+38% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
47.1°F
+1.3°F in Minnesota
Maine vs Minnesota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Minnesota?
- Maine is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 21% below Minnesota's $1,126, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine 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 $36,000 a year in Maine versus $45,000 in Minnesota.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Minnesota?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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 3/3 cities we track in Maine/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.