Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,192 in Minnesota versus $1,357 in Virginia. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $90,685 in Virginia — about 11% higher in Virginia. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.875%
5.3%
+1.6 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
9.85%
5.75%
+4.1 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,192
$1,357
+14% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$345,600
$366,300
+6% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$90,685
+13% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.4°F
59.9°F
+12.5°F in Virginia
Minnesota vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Virginia?
- Minnesota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,192 runs about 12% below Virginia's $1,357, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Minnesota than in Virginia?
- 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 Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Minnesota or Virginia?
- Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Minnesota/Virginia — 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.