Home › Compare › Minneapolis, MN vs Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Atlanta, GA

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

2.9% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
5.6% 5.6% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.6% more
Minneapolis
108
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Minneapolis
101
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 2.8% more
Minneapolis
106
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Minneapolis
100
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Minneapolis
95
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index1041072.9% more
Housing1081145.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$330,000$380,00015.2% more
Groceries101102~Same
Transportation1061092.8% more
Healthcare100102~Same
Utilities95994.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Atlanta, GA
State Income Tax9.85% (top)5.39%
State Sales Tax6.88%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Atlanta 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 Atlanta to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Atlanta499,127

Moving from Minneapolis to Atlanta?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Atlanta?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 Minneapolis to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. 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 Minneapolis vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Georgia averages 0.72%.