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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

6.1% Minneapolis, MN is more expensive overall
3.8% 3.8% more expensive housing
4.1% 4.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.8% more
Raleigh
104
Minneapolis
108
🛒 Groceries 4.1% more
Raleigh
97
Minneapolis
101
🚗 Transportation 10.4% more
Raleigh
96
Minneapolis
106
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Minneapolis
100
⚡ Utilities 3.1% cheaper
Raleigh
98
Minneapolis
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Minneapolis, MN Difference
Overall Cost Index981046.1% more
Housing1041083.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$385,000$330,00014.3% less
Groceries971014.1% more
Transportation9610610.4% more
Healthcare100100~Same
Utilities98953.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Minneapolis, MN
State Income Tax4.50%9.85% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.88%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.02%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Minneapolis (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Minneapolis3.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Minneapolis2.5%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Minneapolis25 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Minneapolis69
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Minneapolis36
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Minneapolis45°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Minneapolis425,336

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Minneapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,350/month in Minneapolis — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Minneapolis?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Minneapolis?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Minneapolis?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $330,000 in Minneapolis — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Minnesota averages 1.02%.