Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Cary, NC (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Minneapolis is 24% cheaper than Cary.

$1,329/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 22%
$80,269/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 61%
$345,600 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 52%
$1,513/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 15%
426,845
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $49,130/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Cary — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Cary?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Cary?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $49,130/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Cary details →

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