Minneapolis vs Denver: Cost of Living Comparison
Minneapolis and Denver are both northern-tier cities known for active outdoor lifestyles, strong job markets, and progressive politics. Denver has become the more expensive of the two thanks to a massive influx of coastal transplants, while Minneapolis offers lower housing costs and a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene anchored by Fortune 500 companies like Target, Best Buy, and General Mills. The biggest lifestyle difference comes down to mountains versus lakes and how you feel about Minnesota's longer winters.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Minneapolis | Denver | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 119 | 127 | Minneapolis |
| Housing | 133 | 168 | Minneapolis |
| Groceries | 104 | 104 | Tie |
| Transportation | 108 | 107 | Denver |
| Utilities | 100 | 97 | Denver |
Index values relative to national average of 100. Lower is cheaper.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Minneapolis vs Denver
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Minneapolis are worth in Denver -- and vice versa.
| Salary in Minneapolis | Equivalent in Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,361 | +$3,361 |
| $75,000 | $80,042 | +$5,042 |
| $100,000 | $106,723 | +$6,723 |
| $150,000 | $160,084 | +$10,084 |
Denver is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Minneapolis wins): Housing is 26% cheaper in Minneapolis than Denver. Denver has a housing index of 168 vs 133. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Tie): Grocery costs in Minneapolis (index 104) are equal to Denver (index 104). Both cities are above the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Denver wins): Transportation costs index 108 in Minneapolis vs 107 in Denver. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Denver wins): Utilities cost more in Minneapolis (index 100) than Denver (index 97). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role -- cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Planning a Move from Minneapolis to Denver?
Cost of living is just one piece of the puzzle. Use our free calculator to estimate your total moving costs -- movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, storage, and everything in between.
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FAQ -- Minneapolis vs Denver Cost of Living
Is Minneapolis or Denver more expensive to live in?
Denver is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 127 compared to 119 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Denver costs 35 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Denver vs Minneapolis?
Housing in Denver has an index of 168 compared to 133 in Minneapolis. That's 26% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Minneapolis worth in Denver?
A $100,000 salary in Minneapolis is equivalent to approximately $106,723 in Denver. This means you would need to earn more in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Minneapolis or Denver?
Groceries are cheaper in Denver, with an index of 104 compared to 104 in Minneapolis. The national average is 100, so both cities are above the national average.
Should I move from Minneapolis to Denver to save money?
Denver is actually more expensive than Minneapolis overall, with an index 8 points higher. However, consider your specific situation -- salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.