Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,126 in Minnesota versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $64,017 in Virginia — about 20% higher in Minnesota. 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
$1,126
$1,195
+6% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$287,500
$328,100
+14% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$64,017
+20% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.1°F
59.9°F
+12.8°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 $1,126 runs about 6% below Virginia's $1,195, 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 $45,000 a year in Minnesota versus $48,000 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 3/3 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.