Is Houston, TX cheaper than Minneapolis, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 10.6% cheaper than Minneapolis, MN. This translates to saving $799 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Minneapolis, MN, you'd need approximately $140,416.667 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 21.9% cheaper than in Minneapolis, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN.

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

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Houston, TX could save you approximately $799 per month, or $9583 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Minneapolis, MN

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Minneapolis, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $799/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.4K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$799

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.6K

Per year

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

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$308K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$245K

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Minneapolis, MN vs Houston, TX

Category	Minneapolis, MN	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $616less	21.9%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$562/mo	↓ $194less	25.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$911/mo	↓ $118less	11.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $69.67more	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$552/mo	↑ $44.26more	8.7%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $6.70less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.9%

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$616

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.7%

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$194

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.5%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$118

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$69.67

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$44.26

📦Other

↓ 0.4%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$6.70

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,240

To$1,220

↓ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,400

To$1,260

↓ $140

2 Bed

From$1,700

To$1,500

↓ $200

3 Bed

From$2,250

To$2,020

↓ $230

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$821

Difference

Home Values

Minneapolis

Houston

$308K

Median Value

$245K

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +8.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$152K - $469K

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 20% less expensive than Minneapolis

Calculate payment - Minneapolis Calculate payment - Houston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$869

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.