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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Pittsburgh, PA

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

7.7% Pittsburgh, PA is cheaper overall
18.5% 18.5% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.5% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Pittsburgh
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Minneapolis
101
Pittsburgh
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Minneapolis
106
Pittsburgh
104
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Minneapolis
100
Pittsburgh
98
⚡ Utilities 9.5% more
Minneapolis
95
Pittsburgh
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Pittsburgh, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index104967.7% less
Housing1088818.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,20011.1% less
Median Home Price$330,000$225,00031.8% less
Groceries101100~Same
Transportation106104~Same
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities951049.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Pittsburgh, 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
Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Pittsburgh4.1%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Pittsburgh1.9%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Pittsburgh28 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Pittsburgh62
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Pittsburgh46
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Pittsburgh51°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Pittsburgh302,971

Moving from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh?

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?+
Pittsburgh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Pittsburgh?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,200/month in Pittsburgh — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Pittsburgh?+
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 Pittsburgh?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $60,000 in Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $225,000 in Pittsburgh — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.