Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Houston is 14% cheaper than Minneapolis.

$1,313/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↑ 1%
$62,894/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↑ 28%
$253,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$345,600 ↑ 36%
$1,316/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 15%
2,300,419
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,375/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Houston or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $17,375/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
View Houston details → View Minneapolis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Minneapolis

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita