Home › Compare › Minneapolis, MN vs Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Philadelphia, PA

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

3.8% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
1.9% 1.9% more expensive housing
5.0% 5.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Minneapolis
108
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 5.0% more
Minneapolis
101
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 5.7% more
Minneapolis
106
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 5.0% more
Minneapolis
100
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 13.7% more
Minneapolis
95
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1041083.8% more
Housing108110~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,50011.1% more
Median Home Price$330,000$280,00015.2% less
Groceries1011065.0% more
Transportation1061125.7% more
Healthcare1001055.0% more
Utilities9510813.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax9.85% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.88%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

→
$—

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Philadelphia1,603,797

Moving from Minneapolis to Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Philadelphia →

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Philadelphia?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.