Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,126 in Minnesota versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $68,854 in Vermont — about 14% higher in Minnesota. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.875%
6%
+0.9 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
9.85%
8.75%
+1.1 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,126
$1,275
+13% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$287,500
$400,200
+39% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$68,854
+14% in Minnesota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.1°F
46.0°F
+1.1°F in Minnesota
Minnesota vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Vermont?
- Minnesota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,126 runs about 12% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Minnesota than in Vermont?
- 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 $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Minnesota or Vermont?
- Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Minnesota/Vermont — 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.