Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $1,126 in Minnesota. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Minnesota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $80,269 in Minnesota — about 18% higher in Minnesota. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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)
4.25%
9.85%
+5.6 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$1,126
+17% in Minnesota
Median Home Value
$225,500
$287,500
+27% in Minnesota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$80,269
+22% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
47.1°F
+2.0°F in Michigan
Michigan vs Minnesota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Minnesota?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $964 runs about 14% 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 Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $45,000 in Minnesota.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Minnesota?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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 3/3 cities we track in Michigan/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.