Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,126 in Minnesota versus $857 in New York. Overall, New York runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Minnesota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $48,050 in New York — about 40% higher in Minnesota. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.875%
4%
+2.9 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
9.85%
10.90%
+1.1 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,126
$857
+24% in Minnesota
Median Home Value
$287,500
$152,300
+47% in Minnesota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$48,050
+40% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.1°F
48.3°F
+1.2°F in New York
Minnesota vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or New York?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 24% 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 Minnesota than in New York?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $45,000 a year in Minnesota versus $34,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Minnesota or New York?
- Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Minnesota/New York — 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.