C-
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
41%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Minneapolis Minnesota National
Cost of living114100100
Groceries101100100
Health care100100100
Housing141100100
Transportation105100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare10199100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Minneapolis, MN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Minneapolis is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Minneapolis is 114, which is 14% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Minneapolis cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 40.6% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Minneapolis?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 51 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Minneapolis. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 35% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 65% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Minneapolis Affordable?

Is Minneapolis affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Minneapolis, for instance, where the median home price falls 51.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 14.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Minneapolis flaunting a median household income of $99,202, 22% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Minneapolis?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Minneapolis, the groceries index registers 0.9% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Minneapolis, the housing index is 40.6% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Minneapolis, the utilities index is 5.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Minneapolis cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Minneapolis is 14% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Minneapolis is 14% higher than the national average
  • Minneapolis housing is 41% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota general sales tax is 35% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota state income tax is 106% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Minneapolis

See all the best places to live around Minneapolis

Compare Minneapolis, MN Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$151,914$12,660$3,544$4,558
      Renters$65,792$5,483$1,535$1,974
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Minneapolis, MN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Minneapolis, the median monthly income is $151,914 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,544 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $65,792, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,535 on monthly rental expenses.

      Minnesota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Minnesota 6.875% 7.875%

      Minnesota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Minnesota 5.35% 9.85%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      St. Paul Park, MN5,5621011.2%
      Minneapolis, MN439,88011413.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Laval, QC445,050n/a 
      Oakland, CA431,36618888.4%
      Halifax, NS451,852n/a 
      London, ON421,456n/a 
      Virginia Beach, VA463,34112019.7%
      Minneapolis, MN439,88011413.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.