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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Houston, TX

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

7.7% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
14.8% 14.8% cheaper housing
6.9% 6.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 14.8% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 6.9% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 11.6% more
Minneapolis
95
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index104967.7% less
Housing1089214.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$330,000$295,00010.6% less
Groceries101946.9% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare100955.0% less
Utilities9510611.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Houston, TX
State Income Tax9.85% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.88%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Houston 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 Houston to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Houston70°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Houston2,304,580

Moving from Minneapolis to Houston?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 14.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Houston?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Houston?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Houston?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Texas averages 1.60%.