Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Minneapolis is 41% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,329/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 53%
$80,269/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 42%
$345,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 102%
$1,513/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 44%
426,845
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $33,369/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Alexandria?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Alexandria?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $33,369/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Virginia?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Alexandria details →

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