Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis (2026)
Minneapolis has a COL index of 106 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Minneapolis to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,626 |
| $50K | $49,533 |
| $60K | $59,439 |
| $75K | $74,299 |
| $80K | $79,252 |
| $100K | $99,065 |
| $120K | $118,879 |
| $150K | $148,598 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Minneapolis
| Expense | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $388 | $391 |
| Transport | $105 | $95 |
| Utilities | $165 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $1,676 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $177 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Chicago — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Minneapolis cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 106 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Minneapolis?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Minneapolis run about $112/month more than Chicago. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Minneapolis to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $74,299/year in Minneapolis. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only