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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Compare Minneapolis, MN and Philadelphia, PA using saved regional data and explicit budgeting assumptions. Rent estimates are not live listings. Change the salary below, then check the source notes before applying a result to your household.

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $472/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area
Overall Cost
↓ 6.3%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$472
Savings
Annual Impact
$5.7K
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
100 = national average
Median Home:$308K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K
Cost Index:
94
(6% below avg)
Median Home:$241K

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Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Birthplace of America
  • •Cheesesteak city
  • •Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Minneapolis, MN vs Philadelphia, PA

Housing
↓ 17.6%
Minneapolis, MN
$2,807
Philadelphia, PA
$2,313
Difference
$494
less
Healthcare
↓ 19.7%
Minneapolis, MN
$756
Philadelphia, PA
$607
Difference
$149
less
All Utilities
↑ 19.4%
Minneapolis, MN
$508
Philadelphia, PA
$607
Difference
$98.36
more
Groceries
↑ 7.3%
Minneapolis, MN
$1,029
Philadelphia, PA
$1,104
Difference
$74.94
more
Transportation
↑ 3.0%
Minneapolis, MN
$1,380
Philadelphia, PA
$1,421
Difference
$40.98
more
Other
→ 0.0%
Minneapolis, MN
$1,774
Philadelphia, PA
$1,774
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Minneapolis, MN has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,240
To$1,280
↑ $40.00
1 Bed
From$1,400
To$1,390
↓ $10.00
2 Bed
From$1,700
To$1,660
↓ $40.00
3 Bed
From$2,250
To$1,990
↓ $260
Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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
$7,826
Monthly in Philadelphia, PA
$428
Difference

Home Values

Minneapolis
Philadelphia
$308K
Median Value
$241K
↑ +1%
YoY Change
↑ +2.8%
↑ +8.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +9%
$152K - $469K
Price Range
$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 22% less expensive than Minneapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $5.8K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$486
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.9%
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

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Pennsylvania State Tax
Effective: 3.1%
$4.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.7%
$41.6K
Take-Home Pay
$9,032/month
$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%
Property Tax:1.1%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%
Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.

🚶 Walkability

Modeled road attributes, not a safety assessment. Methodology and limitations

Environment

Minneapolis
Philadelphia
42 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
66.4%
Good Air Days
47.3%
98 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
▲+3.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
14 days
Heat Days >95°F
22 days
▲+3.6°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
14 days
Heat Days >95°F
22 days

What to Consider When Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Philadelphia, PA

Relocating from Minneapolis, MN to Philadelphia, PA involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 6% lower in Philadelphia, PA, 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 Philadelphia, PA is 18% cheaper than in Minneapolis, MN. 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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to match your current standard of living in Minneapolis, MN.

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 Philadelphia, PA for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Minneapolis, MN vs Philadelphia, PA

How do the cost estimates for Minneapolis, MN and Philadelphia, PA compare?

The saved overall index for Philadelphia, PA is 6.3% lower than for Minneapolis, MN. This is a broad model comparison, not a survey of today's prices or a forecast of your household spending. Some cities use adjusted regional fallback data.

What does the equivalent salary mean?

At a $150,000 salary in Minneapolis, MN, the model estimates $144,333 in Philadelphia, PA. It assumes 60% of gross income changes with the relative cost index and 40% stays fixed. The monthly difference is the salary difference divided by 12; it is not take-home pay or guaranteed savings. Household size, childcare and your actual lease are not inputs to this calculation.

What rent estimates are available for Minneapolis, MN and Philadelphia, PA?

The modeled two-bedroom rents are $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN and $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA. Where available, the source is a city median of HUD FY2026 ZIP-level estimates; otherwise a saved metro table is used. City adjustments may also apply. These are not asking rents or available listings. Compare actual properties with the same bedroom count and included utilities.

How should I use this comparison before moving?

Use it to shortlist locations, then replace modeled costs with a current housing quote, employer-confirmed income, commute costs, insurance and your household's other expenses. Add one-time moving costs separately. Source years differ and the saved datasets are not a live price feed. Read the methodology for the formulas and fallback rules.

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

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