Cost of Living in Minnesota
Overall index: 93.6 — ranked #32 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Minnesota
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Minnesota
Estimated annual spending: $59,919($15,081 remaining)
Metro areas in Minnesota
What things cost in Minnesota
| Item | Minnesota | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $330,000 | $360,000 | $-30,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,128/mo | $1,400/mo | $-272 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.26/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.24 |
| Electric bill | $109/mo | $137/mo | $28 |
| Infant childcare | $22,569/yr | $13,500/yr | +$9,069 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.98 | $4.95 | +$0.03 |
| Monthly groceries | $412/mo | $410/mo | +$2 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Minnesota vs national average
What a salary in Minnesota is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,800 | $-3,200 |
| $75,000 | $70,200 | $-4,800 |
| $100,000 | $93,600 | $-6,400 |
| $125,000 | $117,000 | $-8,000 |
| $150,000 | $140,400 | $-9,600 |
| $200,000 | $187,200 | $-12,800 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Minnesota than the national average.
Compare Minnesota with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Minnesota?
Minnesota has an overall cost-of-living index of 93.6, making it near the national average (ranked #32 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $330,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,128/month.
Is Minnesota expensive to live in?
No, Minnesota is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 93.6 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 80.6% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Minnesota?
The median home price in Minnesota is $330,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,128/month. Minnesota's housing index is 80.6 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 19.400000000000006% below the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Minneapolis has a housing index of 108.
How much are groceries in Minnesota?
Minnesota's grocery index is 100.6 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.98 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $412, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Minnesota?
The average monthly electric bill in Minnesota is $109 based on the state's residential rate of 12.35¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Minnesota?
Center-based infant childcare in Minnesota averages $22,569/year ($1,881/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Minnesota?
A $75,000 salary in Minnesota has the same purchasing power as $80,128 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Minnesota?
Major metro areas in Minnesota include: Minneapolis (104.8). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 93.6. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this 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 Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Minnesota taxes
- House Affordability in Minnesota — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Minnesota take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.