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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Virginia Beach, VA

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

1.9% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Minneapolis
108
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Minneapolis
101
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Minneapolis
100
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Minneapolis
95
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index104102~Same
Housing108108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$330,000$340,0003.0% more
Groceries10199~Same
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax9.85% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Minneapolis to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Virginia Beach is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Virginia Beach?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Virginia averages 0.74%.