Best Cities for Data Scientists in Minnesota
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $100,000 salary
Minnesota has 3 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For data scientists earning around $100,000 annually, Mankato stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 64.1 and $66,758 left after taxes and rent. 3 cities in Minnesota sit below the national average cost of living, giving data scientists more purchasing power per dollar earned. Rochester is the priciest metro at 93.0 on the index, 29 points above Mankato.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
Net income = $100,000 salary − federal & Minnesota state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $100,000 salary for data scientists who analyze data and build predictive models, after applying 2026 federal and Minnesota state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Minnesota for data scientists?
Mankato is the most affordable city in Minnesota for data scientists, with a cost-of-living index of 64.1 (national average = 100). On a $100,000 salary, you'd have approximately $66,758 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do data scientists earn in Minnesota?
Data Scientists in Minnesota earn around $100,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $15,132 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Minnesota cities?
Across 3 metro areas in Minnesota, the average cost-of-living index is 77 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Mankato at 64.1, while Rochester is the most expensive at 93.0—a difference of 29 index points.
Other Rankings in Minnesota
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