Minnesota vs North Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,128
in Minnesota
$76,609
in North Carolina
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 | Minnesota | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 80.6 | 94.0 | -14% |
| Groceries | 100.6 | 99.0 | +2% |
| Utilities | 95.0 | 94.7 | 0% |
| Transportation | 96.2 | 92.2 | +4% |
| Healthcare | 102.4 | 110.2 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 99.8 | 101.4 | -2% |
| Overall | 93.6 | 97.9 | -4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Minnesota.
What things actually cost
| Item | Minnesota | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $330,000 | $325,000 | +$5,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,128/mo | $1,316/mo | $188 |
| Gas price | $3.26/gal | $3.29/gal | $0.03 |
| Electric bill | $109/mo | $103/mo | +$6 |
| Infant childcare | $22,569/yr | $11,720/yr | +$10,849 |
Salary equivalent: Minnesota → North Carolina
What a Minnesota salary buys you in North Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Minnesota | Equivalent in North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,297 | $-2,297 |
| $75,000 | $78,446 | $-3,446 |
| $100,000 | $104,594 | $-4,594 |
| $150,000 | $156,891 | $-6,891 |
| $200,000 | $209,188 | $-9,188 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
North Carolina is 4% more expensive than Minnesota overall. North Carolina has an index of 97.9 vs 93.6 for Minnesota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or North Carolina?
Minnesota is cheaper to live in. North Carolina is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $330,000 in Minnesota vs $325,000 in North Carolina.
Is Minnesota cheaper than North Carolina?
Yes, Minnesota is 4% cheaper than North Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is North Carolina more expensive than Minnesota?
Yes, North Carolina is 4% more expensive than Minnesota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Carolina equals $100,000 in Minnesota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Minnesota, you would need approximately $104,594 in North Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (93.6 vs 97.9).
How do housing costs compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Housing is cheaper in North Carolina. Median home prices are $330,000 in Minnesota vs $325,000 in North Carolina — a $5,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,128/mo vs $1,316/mo.
What costs more in Minnesota vs North Carolina?
Housing is 14% lower in Minnesota (index 80.6 vs 94). Healthcare is 7% lower in Minnesota (index 102.4 vs 110.2). Transportation is 4% higher in Minnesota (index 96.2 vs 92.2).
Is gas cheaper in Minnesota or North Carolina?
Gas averages $3.26/gallon in Minnesota and $3.29/gallon in North Carolina — a $0.03 difference per gallon.
Minnesota vs North Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Minnesota has an overall cost-of-living index of 93.6 and North Carolina has 97.9 (national average = 100). North Carolina is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Minnesota vs North Carolina 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
- Minnesota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Minnesota vs North Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Minnesota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Carolina — 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.