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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

16.1% Minneapolis, MN is cheaper overall
30.8% 30.8% cheaper housing
6.5% 6.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.8% cheaper
Seattle
156
Minneapolis
108
🛒 Groceries 6.5% cheaper
Seattle
108
Minneapolis
101
🚗 Transportation 10.2% cheaper
Seattle
118
Minneapolis
106
🏥 Healthcare 9.1% cheaper
Seattle
110
Minneapolis
100
⚡ Utilities 4.4% more
Seattle
91
Minneapolis
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Minneapolis, MN Difference
Overall Cost Index12410416.1% less
Housing15610830.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,35034.1% less
Median Home Price$780,000$330,00057.7% less
Groceries1081016.5% less
Transportation11810610.2% less
Healthcare1101009.1% less
Utilities91954.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Minneapolis, MN
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.85% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.88%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.02%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Minneapolis (104). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Minneapolis3.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Minneapolis2.5%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Minneapolis25 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Minneapolis69
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Minneapolis36
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Minneapolis45°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Minneapolis425,336

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 30.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Minneapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,350/month in Minneapolis — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Minneapolis?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Minneapolis?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Minneapolis?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $330,000 in Minneapolis — a difference of $450,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Minnesota averages 1.02%.