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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Minneapolis is 50% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,329/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 71%
$80,269/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 75%
$345,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 150%
$1,513/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 60%
426,845
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $946/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $11,352/year.

Median household income is $59,891/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Arlington — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Arlington?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $946/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Arlington?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $59,891/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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