State Comparison
North Dakota vs Minnesota
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
North Dakota leads in 11 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $250,000 in North Dakota vs $330,000 in Minnesota — a $80,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: North Dakota has a 1.95% top income tax rate while Minnesota has a 9.85% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.98% vs 1.12%.
- 4
Cost of Living: North Dakota's index is 92.5 and Minnesota's is 96.8 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real North Dakota and Minnesota data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Dakota or Minnesota more affordable?
North Dakota has a lower cost of living index (92.5) compared to Minnesota (96.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — North Dakota or Minnesota?
Overall, North Dakota has a lower combined tax burden. North Dakota has a 1.95% top income tax, 5% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Minnesota has a 9.85% top income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.12% property tax.
What are housing costs in North Dakota vs Minnesota?
The median home price in North Dakota is $250,000 compared to $330,000 in Minnesota. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $875/month in North Dakota vs $1,160/month in Minnesota.
Which state is better for starting a business — North Dakota or Minnesota?
LLC filing costs are $135 in North Dakota vs $155 in Minnesota, with annual fees of $50 and $0 respectively. North Dakota's 1.95% top tax rate compared to Minnesota's 9.85% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from North Dakota to Minnesota?
It depends on your priorities. North Dakota wins in 11 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing North Dakota and Minnesota
When deciding between living in North Dakota or Minnesota, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
North Dakota (ND) has a median household income of $68,131 with a cost of living index of 92.5. Minnesota (MN) has a median household income of $77,706 with a cost of living index of 96.8.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free North Dakota calculator or Minnesota calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.