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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Minneapolis, MN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.0% Minneapolis, MN is more expensive overall
8.5% 8.5% cheaper housing
5.2% 5.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.5% cheaper
Austin
118
Minneapolis
108
🛒 Groceries 5.2% more
Austin
96
Minneapolis
101
🚗 Transportation 8.2% more
Austin
98
Minneapolis
106
🏥 Healthcare 3.1% more
Austin
97
Minneapolis
100
⚡ Utilities 4.0% cheaper
Austin
99
Minneapolis
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Minneapolis, MN Difference
Overall Cost Index103104~Same
Housing1181088.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$425,000$330,00022.4% less
Groceries961015.2% more
Transportation981068.2% more
Healthcare971003.1% more
Utilities99954.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Minneapolis, MN
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.85% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.88%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.02%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Minneapolis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Minneapolis to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Minneapolis (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Minneapolis3.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Minneapolis2.5%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Minneapolis25 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Minneapolis69
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Minneapolis36
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Minneapolis45°F
Population
Austin979,882
Minneapolis425,336

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Minneapolis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Minneapolis →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Minneapolis vs Portland → Minneapolis vs Phoenix → Minneapolis vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Minneapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,350/month in Minneapolis — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Minneapolis?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Minneapolis?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $76,000 in Minneapolis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Minneapolis?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $330,000 in Minneapolis — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Minnesota averages 1.02%.