Cost of living in Minnesota
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Minnesota are 1.4% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 98.6 (U.S. = 100), making it the #22 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Minnesota with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Minnesota prices
- 1.6% cheaper
- Take-home in Minnesota at $75,000
- $57,686$4,807 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $56,771$4,731 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +8.5%+$4,821 a year in Minnesota buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Minnesota take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Minnesota with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Minnesota as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Minnesota? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Minnesota prices by category
| Category | Minnesota | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | −1.4% |
| Goods | 100.5 | +0.5% |
| Housing (rent) | 91.3 | −8.7% |
| Utilities | 90.8 | −9.2% |
| Other services | 100.2 | +0.2% |
Rents in Minnesota are close to the national average. The overall price level rose 0.3% relative to the nation versus 2023 (98.3). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Minnesota, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,742 | $40,258 | $40,821 | $50,699 |
| $75,000 | $17,314 | $57,686 | $58,493 | $76,049 |
| $100,000 | $26,537 | $73,463 | $74,491 | $101,398 |
At $75,000, Minnesota ranks #36 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Minnesota paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Minnesota equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Minnesota. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Minnesota once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | −9.8% | $67,652 | $62,046 |
| South Dakota | −10.2% | $67,369 | $61,775 |
| Iowa | −11.0% | $66,742 | $63,360 |
| Wisconsin | −4.6% | $71,558 | $69,395 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −11.8% | $66,114 | $62,862 |
| Mississippi | −11.8% | $66,127 | $62,802 |
| Oklahoma | −10.9% | $66,803 | $64,148 |
| California | +12.3% | $84,201 | $86,507 |
| Hawaii | +11.5% | $83,616 | $86,166 |
| Washington, DC | +11.4% | $83,578 | $85,010 |
| New Jersey | +10.3% | $82,745 | $83,092 |
| Texas | −1.6% | $73,811 | $68,147 |
| Florida | +4.9% | $78,645 | $73,432 |
| New York | +9.4% | $82,073 | $83,279 |
Moving from Minnesota to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Minnesota expensive to live in?
Minnesota has a price level of 98.6 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 1.4% below the national average. It ranks #30 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Minnesota?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $73,966 in Minnesota before taxes. After Minnesota taxes, $75,000 takes home $57,686 — worth $58,493 at U.S.-average prices, #36 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Minnesota?
Minnesota's housing price level is 91.3, meaning rents are 8.7% below the national average. Goods are 100.5 and utilities 90.8.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Iowa (price level 87.8, −11.0% vs Minnesota). A $75,000 Minnesota salary is equivalent to $63,360 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.