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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

7.1% Minneapolis, MN is cheaper overall
18.2% 18.2% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Minneapolis
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Denver
101
Minneapolis
101
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Denver
105
Minneapolis
106
🏥 Healthcare 3.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Minneapolis
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Denver
96
Minneapolis
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Minneapolis, MN Difference
Overall Cost Index1121047.1% less
Housing13210818.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,35016.7% less
Median Home Price$540,000$330,00038.9% less
Groceries101101~Same
Transportation105106~Same
Healthcare1041003.8% less
Utilities9695~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Minneapolis, MN
State Income Tax4.40%9.85% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.88%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.02%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Minneapolis (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Minneapolis3.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Minneapolis2.5%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Minneapolis25 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Minneapolis69
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Minneapolis36
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Minneapolis45°F
Population
Denver713,252
Minneapolis425,336

Moving from Denver to Minneapolis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Minneapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,350/month in Minneapolis — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Minneapolis?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Minneapolis?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Minneapolis?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $330,000 in Minneapolis — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Minnesota averages 1.02%.