Minnesota vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,128
in Minnesota
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 80.6 | 118.3 | -32% |
| Groceries | 100.6 | 108.0 | -7% |
| Utilities | 95.0 | 98.8 | -4% |
| Transportation | 96.2 | 124.0 | -22% |
| Healthcare | 102.4 | 110.2 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 99.8 | 111.2 | -10% |
| Overall | 93.6 | 112.9 | -17% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Minnesota.
What things actually cost
| Item | Minnesota | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $330,000 | $580,000 | $250,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,128/mo | $1,656/mo | $528 |
| Gas price | $3.26/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.43 |
| Electric bill | $109/mo | $90/mo | +$20 |
| Infant childcare | $22,569/yr | $20,677/yr | +$1,892 |
Salary equivalent: Minnesota → Washington
What a Minnesota salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Minnesota | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,310 | $-10,310 |
| $75,000 | $90,465 | $-15,465 |
| $100,000 | $120,620 | $-20,620 |
| $150,000 | $180,929 | $-30,929 |
| $200,000 | $241,239 | $-41,239 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Washington is 17% more expensive than Minnesota overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 93.6 for Minnesota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Washington?
Minnesota is cheaper to live in. Washington is 17% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $330,000 in Minnesota vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Minnesota cheaper than Washington?
Yes, Minnesota is 17% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than Minnesota?
Yes, Washington is 17% more expensive than Minnesota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Minnesota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Minnesota, you would need approximately $120,620 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (93.6 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Minnesota and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Minnesota. Median home prices are $330,000 in Minnesota vs $580,000 in Washington — a $250,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,128/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Minnesota vs Washington?
Housing is 32% lower in Minnesota (index 80.6 vs 118.3). Transportation is 22% lower in Minnesota (index 96.2 vs 124). Dining & Misc is 10% lower in Minnesota (index 99.8 vs 111.2).
Is gas cheaper in Minnesota or Washington?
Gas averages $3.26/gallon in Minnesota and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.43 difference per gallon.
Minnesota vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Minnesota has an overall cost-of-living index of 93.6 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Washington is 17% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Minnesota vs Washington 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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Minnesota vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Minnesota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.