Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,192 in Minnesota versus $1,349 in North Carolina. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $80,431 in North Carolina. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax; North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.875%
4.75%
+2.1 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
9.85%
3.99%
+5.9 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,192
$1,349
+13% in North Carolina
Median Home Value
$345,600
$364,650
+6% in North Carolina
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$80,431
+0% in North Carolina
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.4°F
60.3°F
+12.9°F in North Carolina
Minnesota vs North Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or North Carolina?
- Minnesota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,192 runs about 12% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Minnesota than in North Carolina?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $48,000 a year in Minnesota versus $54,000 in North Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, Minnesota or North Carolina?
- Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/2 cities we track in Minnesota/North Carolina — 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.