Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Minneapolis, MN is 11.9% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $894 per month.

What salary do I need in Minneapolis, MN to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $160,725.389 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Minneapolis, MN?

Housing in Minneapolis, MN is 28.1% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Minneapolis, MN?

Living in Minneapolis, MN costs approximately $894 more per month than Houston, TX, or $10725 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Minneapolis, MN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $894/month more in Minneapolis, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.7K in Minneapolis, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 11.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$894

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$308K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 430K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Houston, TX vs Minneapolis, MN

Category	Houston, TX	Minneapolis, MN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,807/mo	↑ $616more	28.1%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$756/mo	↑ $194more	34.5%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $118more	12.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $69.67less	4.8%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$508/mo	↓ $44.26less	8.0%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $6.70more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.1%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Difference

$616

🏥Healthcare

↑ 34.5%

Houston, TX

$562

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Difference

$194

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.9%

Houston, TX

$911

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Difference

$118

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.8%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Difference

$69.67

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Difference

$44.26

less

📦Other

↑ 0.4%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Difference

$6.70

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,240

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,400

↑ $140

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,700

↑ $200

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,250

↑ $230

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$821

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Minneapolis

$245K

Median Value

$308K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +8.2%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$152K - $469K

Homes in Minneapolis are 25% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Minneapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$869

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.0%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Minneapolis, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

Additional Tax Information

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.