Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,126 in Minnesota versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $83,857 in Washington — about 4% higher in Washington. Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.875%
6.5%
+0.4 pp in Minnesota
Income Tax (top rate)
9.85%
None
+9.8 pp in Minnesota
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,126
$1,332
+18% in Washington
Median Home Value
$287,500
$454,600
+58% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$83,857
+4% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.1°F
52.1°F
+5.0°F in Washington
Minnesota vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Washington?
- Minnesota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,126 runs about 15% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Minnesota than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Minnesota or Washington?
- Minnesota has a top state income tax rate of 9.85% and a 6.875% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Minnesota/Washington — 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.