Moving from Minneapolis to Denver (2026)

Denver has a COL index of 122 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 15% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$44 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
106 โ†’ 122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700 โ†’ $2,000
per month
State tax
9.9% โ†’ 4.4%
income tax
COL difference
106 โ†’ 122
15% more expensive

Salary needed in Denver to match your Minneapolis lifestyle

Based on the 15% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MinneapolisEquivalent in Denver
$40K$46,038
$50K$57,547
$60K$69,057
$75K$86,321
$80K$92,075
$100K$115,094
$120K$138,113
$150K$172,642

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$261/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Minneapolis vs Denver

ExpenseMinneapolisDenver
Monthly take-home$4,122$4,466
1BR rent$1,700$2,000
Groceries$391$388
Transport$95$114
Utilities$195$140
Internet$65$65
Left after essentials$1,676$1,759

Frequently asked questions

Is Denver cheaper than Minneapolis?

No. Denver has a cost of living index of 122 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). That's about 15% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Minneapolis to Denver?

On a $75K salary, moving from Minneapolis to Denver saves roughly $44/month on core expenses. That's ~$528/year.

What salary do I need in Denver to match my Minneapolis lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Minneapolis, you'd need roughly $86,321/year in Denver. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only