Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Minneapolis, MN is 28.9% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2171 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $123,947.368 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Minneapolis, MN is 54.8% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Minneapolis, MN could save you approximately $2171 per month, or $26053 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Minneapolis, MN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Minneapolis, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $123.9K in Minneapolis, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,171

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.1K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:71

Median Home:$308K

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

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: Washington, DC vs Minneapolis, MN

Category	Washington, DC	Minneapolis, MN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,807/mo	↓ $3,404less	54.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $505less	26.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$756/mo	↑ $124more	19.6%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$508/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.8%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Difference

$3,404

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.8%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Difference

$505

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 19.6%

Washington, DC

$632

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Difference

$124

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Washington, DC

$508

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,240

↓ $910

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,400

↓ $815

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,700

↓ $770

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,250

↓ $865

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$3,886

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Minneapolis

$556K

Median Value

$308K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +1%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +8.2%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$152K - $469K

Homes in Minneapolis are 45% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Minneapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $719

Per year

Monthly Difference

$59.88

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.