Quick answer
Austin is 44% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. A $100K salary in Minneapolis is equivalent to $56,000 in Austin.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Minneapolis vs Austin Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Austin is 44% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+20% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$56,000
Minneapolis vs Austin: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,380/mo
$1,650/mo
+20%
2BR median rent
$1,750/mo
$2,100/mo
+20%
Median home price
$320K
$548K
+71%
Avg monthly groceries
$360
$380
+6%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$175
+13%
State income tax
Up to 9.85%
None
Austin saves
Walk score
69/100
41/100
Minneapolis better
Transit score
55/100
34/100
Minneapolis better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Austin to maintain the same standard of living as your current Minneapolis salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$33,000
$108,000
$80,000
$44,000
$144,000
$100,000
$56,000
$180,000
$120,000
$67,000
$216,000
$150,000
$83,000
$270,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Minneapolis vs Austin
Who Each City Is Best For
Minneapolis is best for
- ✓corporate professionals
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts (winter sports)
- ✓arts and culture seekers
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
FAQs
Is Minneapolis or Austin cheaper to live in?
Austin is 44% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. Austin 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Minneapolis ($1,380/mo). Median home price: Austin $548K vs Minneapolis $320K.
How much salary do I need in Austin to match $100K in Minneapolis?
$56,000 in Austin is equivalent to $100,000 in Minneapolis based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+20% difference) and state taxes (Minneapolis: Up to 9.85% vs Austin: None).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Austin?
1BR: Minneapolis $1,380/mo vs Austin $1,650/mo (+20%). 2BR: Minneapolis $1,750/mo vs Austin $2,100/mo (+20%).
Does Minneapolis or Austin have lower taxes?
Minneapolis (MN) has Up to 9.85% state income tax. Austin (TX) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$9,850.