Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,192 in Minnesota versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Minnesota runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,269 in Minnesota and $121,984 in Washington — about 34% 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
$1,192
$1,858
+56% in Washington
Median Home Value
$345,600
$912,100
+164% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$80,269
$121,984
+52% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
47.4°F
53.5°F
+6.1°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 $1,192 runs about 36% below Washington's $1,858, 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 $48,000 a year in Minnesota versus $74,000 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 1/1 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.