Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,126 in Minnesota versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 2% cheaper on rent than Minnesota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
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
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Minnesota vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,100 runs about 2% 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 $44,000 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 3/3 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.