Is Washington, DC cheaper than Minneapolis, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 40.7% more expensive than Minneapolis, MN. This translates to spending an extra $3056 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Minneapolis, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Minneapolis, MN, you'd need approximately $186,666.667 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Minneapolis, MN and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 121.3% more expensive than in Minneapolis, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Minneapolis, MN to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3056 more per month than Minneapolis, MN, or $36667 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Minneapolis, MN

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Minneapolis, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.1K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.7K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 40.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,056

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.7K

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

Median Home:$308K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:141

Median Home:$556K

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Minneapolis, MN vs Washington, DC

Category	Minneapolis, MN	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,404more	121.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $505more	36.6%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$632/mo	↓ $124less	16.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$508/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 121.3%

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,404

🚗Transportation

↑ 36.6%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$505

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.4%

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$124

less

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,240

To$2,150

↑ $910

1 Bed

From$1,400

To$2,215

↑ $815

2 Bed

From$1,700

To$2,470

↑ $770

3 Bed

From$2,250

To$3,115

↑ $865

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$3,886

Difference

Home Values

Minneapolis

Washington

$308K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +8.2%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$152K - $469K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 81% more expensive than Minneapolis

Calculate payment - Minneapolis Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $719

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$59.88

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.