Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,192 in Minnesota versus $1,189 in Pennsylvania. The two are close on rent, within a few percent of each other.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 24% higher in Minnesota. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.875%
6%
+0.9 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
9.85%
3.07%
+6.8 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,192
$1,189
+0% in Minnesota
Median Home Value
$345,600
$232,400
+33% in Minnesota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$60,698
+24% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.4°F
57.1°F
+9.7°F in Pennsylvania
Minnesota vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Pennsylvania?
- They're close. Median one-bedroom rent runs $1,192 in Minnesota and $1,189 in Pennsylvania — within a few percent of each other.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Minnesota than in Pennsylvania?
- 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 $48,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Minnesota or Pennsylvania?
- Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Minnesota/Pennsylvania — 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.