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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

8.8% Minneapolis, MN is cheaper overall
21.7% 21.7% cheaper housing
1.9% 1.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.7% cheaper
Portland
138
Minneapolis
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Portland
103
Minneapolis
101
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Portland
108
Minneapolis
106
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% cheaper
Portland
107
Minneapolis
100
⚡ Utilities 8.0% more
Portland
88
Minneapolis
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Minneapolis, MN Difference
Overall Cost Index1141048.8% less
Housing13810821.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,35012.9% less
Median Home Price$485,000$330,00032.0% less
Groceries103101~Same
Transportation108106~Same
Healthcare1071006.5% less
Utilities88958.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Minneapolis, MN
State Income Tax8.75% (top)9.85% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)6.88%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.02%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Minneapolis (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Minneapolis3.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Minneapolis2.5%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Minneapolis25 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Minneapolis69
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Minneapolis36
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Minneapolis45°F
Population
Portland652,503
Minneapolis425,336

Moving from Portland to Minneapolis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 21.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Minneapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,350/month in Minneapolis — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Minneapolis?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Minneapolis?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Minneapolis?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $330,000 in Minneapolis — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Minnesota averages 1.02%.