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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Is Minneapolis really cheaper than Las Vegas? With Las Vegas known for tourism, entertainment, and hospitality and Minneapolis building its reputation in finance, healthcare, and Fortune 500 companies, the cost of living gap tells an important story for anyone planning a move.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $68.81/month moving to Minneapolis, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.2K in Minneapolis, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV area
Overall Cost
0.9%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$68.81
Savings
Annual Impact
$826
Per year

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

Las Vegas, NV

Population:656K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$377K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K
Cost Index:
99
(1% below avg)
Median Home:$308K

Las Vegas, NV

The Silver State

656K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • Entertainment capital
  • No state income tax
  • Desert oasis

Major Industries

TourismEntertainmentTechnologyLogistics

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: Las Vegas, NV vs Minneapolis, MN

Housing
15.0%
Las Vegas, NV
$3,300
Minneapolis, MN
$2,807
Difference
$494
less
Transportation
10.6%
Las Vegas, NV
$1,544
Minneapolis, MN
$1,380
Difference
$164
less
Healthcare
19.6%
Las Vegas, NV
$632
Minneapolis, MN
$756
Difference
$124
more
Other
1.9%
Las Vegas, NV
$1,808
Minneapolis, MN
$1,774
Difference
$33.48
less
Groceries
1.0%
Las Vegas, NV
$1,039
Minneapolis, MN
$1,029
Difference
$9.99
less
All Utilities
0.0%
Las Vegas, NV
$508
Minneapolis, MN
$508
Difference
$0
same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,270
To$1,240
$30.00
1 Bed
From$1,410
To$1,400
$10.00
2 Bed
From$1,655
To$1,700
$45.00
3 Bed
From$2,300
To$2,250
$50.00
Las Vegas, NVZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330$2,210/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.

$8,831
Monthly in Las Vegas, NV
$8,254
Monthly in Minneapolis, MN
$577
Difference

Home Values

Las Vegas
Minneapolis
$377K
Median Value
$308K
↓ -2.3%
YoY Change
↑ +1%
↑ +37.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +8.2%
$265K - $712K
Price Range
$152K - $469K

Homes in Minneapolis are 18% less expensive than Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas, NV

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Nevada State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Las Vegas, NV Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:0.6%

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.

Environment

Las Vegas
Minneapolis
N/A
Air Quality
42 Good
-
Good Air Days
66.4%
N/A
Climate Risk
98 High
-
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
N/A
2050 Outlook
+3.6°F
-
Heat Days >95°F
14 days
N/A
2050 Outlook
+3.6°F
-
Heat Days >95°F
14 days

What to Consider When Moving from Las Vegas, NV to Minneapolis, MN

Relocating from Las Vegas, NV to Minneapolis, MN involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 1% lower in Minneapolis, MN, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Minneapolis, MN is 15% cheaper than in Las Vegas, NV. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Minneapolis, MN pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Minneapolis, MN to match your current standard of living in Las Vegas, NV.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Minneapolis, MN for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Las Vegas, NV vs Minneapolis, MN

Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper than Las Vegas, NV?

Las Vegas, NV and Minneapolis, MN have very similar costs of living, with less than 1% difference overall. Your monthly expenses would be roughly the same in either city.

What salary do I need in Minneapolis, MN to match my lifestyle in Las Vegas, NV?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Las Vegas, NV, you would need approximately $149,174 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Las Vegas, NV and Minneapolis, MN?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,655/month in Las Vegas, NV compared to $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN. One-bedroom apartments are $1,410/month in Las Vegas, NV vs $1,400/month in Minneapolis, MN. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Las Vegas, NV or Minneapolis, MN?

Grocery prices are very similar between Las Vegas, NV and Minneapolis, MN, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Las Vegas, NV to Minneapolis, MN?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Nevada and Minnesota on TaxTakeHome.com

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