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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Salt Lake City, UT

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

1.0% Salt Lake City, UT is more expensive overall
11.1% 11.1% more expensive housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.1% more
Minneapolis
108
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Minneapolis
95
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index104105~Same
Housing10812011.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$330,000$475,00043.9% more
Groceries101983.0% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities95887.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Salt Lake City, UT
State Income Tax9.85% (top)4.65%
State Sales Tax6.88%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Salt Lake City204,657

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Salt Lake City?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Utah averages 0.52%.