Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Denver is 44% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,770/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 25%
$91,681/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 12%
$586,700 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 41%
$1,839/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 18%
713,734
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $441/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $5,292/year.

Median household income is $11,412/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Denver or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $441/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $11,412/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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