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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Minneapolis, MN

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

5.1% Minneapolis, MN is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
6.3% 6.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Nashville
108
Minneapolis
108
🛒 Groceries 6.3% more
Nashville
95
Minneapolis
101
🚗 Transportation 7.1% more
Nashville
99
Minneapolis
106
🏥 Healthcare 7.5% more
Nashville
93
Minneapolis
100
⚡ Utilities 2.1% cheaper
Nashville
97
Minneapolis
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Minneapolis, MN Difference
Overall Cost Index991045.1% more
Housing108108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,3502.2% less
Median Home Price$395,000$330,00016.5% less
Groceries951016.3% more
Transportation991067.1% more
Healthcare931007.5% more
Utilities97952.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Minneapolis, MN
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.85% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.88%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.02%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Minneapolis outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Minneapolis (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Minneapolis3.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Minneapolis2.5%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Minneapolis25 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Minneapolis69
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Minneapolis36
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Minneapolis45°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Minneapolis425,336

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?+
Nashville 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 Nashville vs Minneapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,350/month in Minneapolis — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Minneapolis?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Nashville to Minneapolis?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $76,000 in Minneapolis. 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 Nashville vs Minneapolis?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $330,000 in Minneapolis — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Minnesota averages 1.02%.