State Comparison
North Dakota vs Minnesota
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
North Dakota leads in 12 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $294,000 in North Dakota vs $357,000 in Minnesota — a $63,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: North Dakota has a 2.5% top income tax rate while Minnesota has a 9.85% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.92% vs 1%.
- 4
Cost of Living: North Dakota's index is 90.7 and Minnesota's is 93.4 (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 (90.7) compared to Minnesota (93.4), 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?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, North Dakota is lower on more of them. North Dakota has a 2.5% top income tax, 5% state sales tax, and a 0.92% effective property tax rate. Minnesota has a 9.85% top income tax, 6.875% state sales tax, and a 1% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in North Dakota vs Minnesota?
The typical home value in North Dakota is $294,000 compared to $357,000 in Minnesota (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,088/month in North Dakota vs $1,504/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 2.5% 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 12 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 drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
North Dakota (ND) has a median household income of $77,871 with a cost of living index of 90.7. Minnesota (MN) has a median household income of $87,117 with a cost of living index of 93.4. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
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.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.