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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Tucson, AZ

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

12.5% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
22.2% 22.2% 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 22.2% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 9.4% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 9.5% more
Minneapolis
95
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1049112.5% less
Housing1088422.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$330,000$270,00018.2% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation106969.4% less
Healthcare100928.0% less
Utilities951049.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax9.85% (top)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.88%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson 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 Tucson to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Tucson542,629

Moving from Minneapolis to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Tucson?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Arizona averages 0.51%.