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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Columbus, OH

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

10.6% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
20.4% 20.4% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.4% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 7.5% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Minneapolis
95
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1049310.6% less
Housing1088620.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,10018.5% less
Median Home Price$330,000$260,00021.2% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation106987.5% less
Healthcare100946.0% less
Utilities9595~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Columbus, OH
State Income Tax9.85% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Columbus 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 Columbus to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Columbus905,748

Moving from Minneapolis to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Columbus cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Columbus?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $64,000 in Columbus. 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 Columbus?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Ohio averages 1.41%.