The Salary a Family in Minnesota Now Needs For Basic Survival

Living in the heart of Minnesota can be an experience like none other. You're surrounded by beautiful lakes, vibrant communities, and oh yeah, those legendary Midwest winters.

But amidst the charm and chill, have you ever wondered what it costs for a family of four to keep the household running smoothly in the North Star State?

The answer might surprise you.

A recent study has crunched the data, and it turns out you'll need a pretty solid salary to cover the basics of living in Minnesota.

LOOK: Minneapolis is Now One of the Happiest Cities in the World

The SmartAsset study uses cost estimates for things like housing, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other usual expenses, all tracked by the MIT Living Wage calculator.

Just so you know, this doesn't include things like investments or fun stuff like entertainment and travel.

What Salary Does a Family of Four Need to Make Ends Meet in the U.S.?

First, let's take a look at the average minimum salary a family of four needs to bring in to survive comfortably in the United States -- that is $106,903, according to the study.

The five most expensive states to live in when it comes to basic needs are:

1. Massachusetts: $150,578

2. Hawaii: $147,319

3. Connecticut: $139,924

4. New York: $139,504

5. California: $138,357

How Much Does it Cost to Support a Family of Four in MINNESOTA?

Minnesota offers a variety of living experiences, from cozy homes in quaint neighborhoods to bustling cities, so the cost of living can vary from area to area, but on average, how much do you need for basic living expenses, including those pesky taxes?

According to the study, the annual income needed for a family of four in Minnesota is $122,387. That makes Minnesota 13.5 percent more expensive than the national average.

What is the Salary a Family of Four Needs to Survive in WISCONSIN?

Looking through the cheddar curtain at our neighbors to the east, for a family of four to make basic expenses in Wisconsin it'll take a combined annual salary of at least $112,529 --8.4 percent lower than in Minnesota, but still higher than the national average.

How Much Does a Family of Four Need to Make to Survive in IOWA?

Turning south to Iowa, the minimum salary needed to make ends meet in Hawkeye State is $105,698 --14.6 percent lower than Minnesota, 6.3 percent lower than Wisconsin, and just over 1 percent lower than the national average.

The five states with the lowest salary needed for basic survival for a family of four are:

1. Mississippi: $88,895

2. Arkansas: $90,394

3. West Virginia: $94,672

4. Louisiana: $94,791

5. Kentucky: $95,043

Now that we've seen how pricey Minnesota can be compared to the rest of the country, let's dive in and explore the most AFFORDABLE places to live within the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

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