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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Baltimore, MD

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

3.8% Baltimore, MD is more expensive overall
3.7% 3.7% more expensive housing
3.0% 3.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.7% more
Minneapolis
108
Baltimore
112
🛒 Groceries 3.0% more
Minneapolis
101
Baltimore
104
🚗 Transportation 3.8% more
Minneapolis
106
Baltimore
110
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% more
Minneapolis
100
Baltimore
104
⚡ Utilities 13.7% more
Minneapolis
95
Baltimore
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Baltimore, MD Difference
Overall Cost Index1041083.8% more
Housing1081123.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$330,000$220,00033.3% less
Groceries1011043.0% more
Transportation1061103.8% more
Healthcare1001044.0% more
Utilities9510813.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Baltimore, MD
State Income Tax9.85% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.99%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Baltimore 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 Baltimore to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Baltimore (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Baltimore5.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Baltimore1.7%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Baltimore31 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Baltimore67
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Baltimore44
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Baltimore56°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Baltimore585,708

Moving from Minneapolis to Baltimore?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Baltimore cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Baltimore?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,350/month in Baltimore — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Baltimore?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Baltimore?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $58,000 in Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $220,000 in Baltimore — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Maryland averages 0.99%.