Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Minneapolis, MN is 37.2% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $2791 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $116,511.628 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Minneapolis, MN is 62.8% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Minneapolis, MN could save you approximately $2791 per month, or $33488 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Seattle, WA

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Minneapolis, MN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Minneapolis, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.5K in Minneapolis, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,791

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.5K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$308K

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

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: Seattle, WA vs Minneapolis, MN

Category	Seattle, WA	Minneapolis, MN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,807/mo	↓ $4,730less	62.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $519less	27.3%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $201less	10.2%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$756/mo	↓ $68.15less	8.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$508/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.8%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Difference

$4,730

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.3%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Difference

$519

less

📦Other

↓ 10.2%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Difference

$201

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Difference

$68.15

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Seattle, WA

$481

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Difference

$27.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,240

↓ $940

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,400

↓ $860

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,700

↓ $930

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,250

↓ $1,190

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$5,540

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Minneapolis

$808K

Median Value

$308K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +1%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +8.2%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$152K - $469K

Homes in Minneapolis are 62% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Minneapolis

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

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

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.