Colorado vs Minnesota Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$80,128
in Minnesota
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Colorado | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 80.6 | +35% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 100.6 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 95.0 | -7% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 96.2 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 102.4 | +4% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 99.8 | +4% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 93.6 | +10% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $330,000 | +$200,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,128/mo | +$395 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.26/gal | +$0.27 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $109/mo | $2 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $22,569/yr | $729 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → Minnesota
What a Colorado salary buys you in Minnesota, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in Minnesota | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,393 | +$4,607 |
| $75,000 | $68,089 | +$6,911 |
| $100,000 | $90,786 | +$9,214 |
| $150,000 | $136,178 | +$13,822 |
| $200,000 | $181,571 | +$18,429 |
Positive = your money goes further in Minnesota. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Colorado is 10% more expensive than Minnesota overall. Colorado has an index of 103.1 vs 93.6 for Minnesota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Minnesota?
Minnesota is cheaper to live in. Colorado is 10% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $330,000 in Minnesota.
Is Minnesota cheaper than Colorado?
Yes, Minnesota is 10% cheaper than Colorado overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Colorado more expensive than Minnesota?
Yes, Colorado is 10% more expensive than Minnesota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Minnesota equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $90,786 in Minnesota. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 93.6).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Minnesota. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $330,000 in Minnesota — a $200,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs Minnesota?
Housing is 35% higher in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 80.6). Utilities is 7% lower in Colorado (index 88.4 vs 95). Dining & Misc is 4% higher in Colorado (index 103.8 vs 99.8).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or Minnesota?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.26/gallon in Minnesota — a $0.27 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs Minnesota cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Minnesota has 93.6 (national average = 100). Colorado is 10% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs Minnesota paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Minnesota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs Minnesota Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Minnesota — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.