Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Minneapolis, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 59.3% more expensive than Minneapolis, MN. This translates to spending an extra $4444 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Minneapolis, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Minneapolis, MN, you'd need approximately $203,333.333 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 168.5% more expensive than in Minneapolis, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Minneapolis, MN to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4444 more per month than Minneapolis, MN, or $53333 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Minneapolis, MN

Tap to swap

Seattle, WA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Minneapolis, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.4K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $203.3K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 59.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,444

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$53.3K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:159

Median Home:$808K

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA

Category	Minneapolis, MN	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,730more	168.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $519more	37.6%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $201more	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$824/mo	↑ $68.15more	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$481/mo	↓ $27.32less	5.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 168.5%

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,730

🚗Transportation

↑ 37.6%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$519

📦Other

↑ 11.3%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$201

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$68.15

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.4%

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$27.32

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,240

To$2,180

↑ $940

1 Bed

From$1,400

To$2,260

↑ $860

2 Bed

From$1,700

To$2,630

↑ $930

3 Bed

From$2,250

To$3,440

↑ $1,190

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,540

Difference

Home Values

Minneapolis

Seattle

$308K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +8.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$152K - $469K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 162% more expensive than Minneapolis

Calculate payment - Minneapolis Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.