A good salary in Minnesota depends on whether you’re in the Twin Cities metro or Greater Minnesota. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, MN average | $60,000-$80,000 | $48,000-$60,000 |
| Single in Minneapolis | $70,000-$90,000 | $58,000-$70,000 |
| Single in St. Paul | $65,000-$85,000 | $55,000-$65,000 |
| Single in Duluth | $48,000-$65,000 | $40,000-$48,000 |
| Family of 4 | $100,000-$135,000 | $85,000-$100,000 |
Key consideration: Minnesota has relatively high state income tax (up to 9.85%), but offers excellent public services, healthcare, and quality of life.
Why Minnesota Is a Good Value
Minnesota offers:
- Strong job market with major corporations (Target, UnitedHealth, 3M, Best Buy)
- Excellent schools and healthcare systems
- Lower housing costs than coastal metros
- High quality of life despite cold winters
- One of the highest median household incomes in the Midwest
Good Salary by Minnesota Area
Minneapolis
The larger of the Twin Cities with thriving downtown and job market.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $80,000 |
| Comfortable | $62,000 | $110,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $85,000+ | $145,000+ |
Median home price: ~$365,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,550/month
St. Paul
State capital with slightly lower costs than Minneapolis.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| Comfortable | $58,000 | $100,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $78,000+ | $135,000+ |
Median home price: ~$320,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,400/month
Rochester
Home to Mayo Clinic with strong healthcare economy.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $95,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $125,000+ |
Median home price: ~$340,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,350/month
Duluth
Northern MN city with lower costs and slower pace.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $60,000 |
| Comfortable | $45,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $60,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$260,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,100/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Minnesota?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $60,000 | $220,000-$245,000 |
| $75,000 | $280,000-$310,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
| $125,000 | $480,000-$530,000 |
See our mortgage affordability calculators for detailed breakdowns.
Minnesota vs. Neighboring States
| State | $75K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $56,700 | 98 |
| Wisconsin | $58,200 | 93 |
| Iowa | $58,800 | 89 |
| South Dakota | $60,800 | 92 |
| North Dakota | $60,100 | 93 |
Minnesota’s taxes are higher, but wages and services tend to be better.
Related Guides
- Salary Needed to Live in Minneapolis
- What is a good salary in Wisconsin?
- How much house on $75K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator