Cost of Living: Chicago vs Minneapolis (2026)
Minneapolis has a 1% lower overall cost of living than Chicago as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,700/mo in Minneapolis vs $1,900/mo in Chicago — a 12% difference. Chicago has a lower state income tax rate (4.9% vs 9.9%), which adds up over time.
- Minneapolis is 1% cheaper overall (COL index: 107 vs 106)
- 1BR rent: $1,700/mo in Minneapolis vs $1,900/mo — 11% savings
- Higher median household income: Minneapolis ($75,000/yr vs $67,000/yr)
- Median home price: $320,000 in Minneapolis vs $360,000 — 11% difference
| Category | Chicago Illinois | Minneapolis Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,500 | $1,300Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,900 | $1,700Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,600 | $2,200Best |
| Median home price | $360K | $320KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 102Best | 103 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15Best | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $60Best | $60 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $105 | $95Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40 | $3.30Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $165 | $145Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $165Best | $195 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $67K | $75KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.9%Best | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 10.3% | 8.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $15.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $45Best | $45 |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 107 | 106Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 78Best | 70 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Minneapolis?
No. Minneapolis is 1% cheaper than Chicago based on overall cost of living indices (106 vs 107, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Chicago vs Minneapolis?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Chicago is $1,900/month and in Minneapolis is $1,700/month. Chicago is more expensive by 12%.
How much do I need to earn in Minneapolis to match a $75,000 salary in Chicago?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $74,299/year in Minneapolis to match a $75,000 salary in Chicago. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Chicago or Minneapolis?
Chicago has the lower state income tax rate at 4.9% vs 9.9%. The difference is 5.0 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Chicago to Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.