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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Minneapolis is 3% cheaper than Durham.

$1,329/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 6%
$80,269/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 1%
$345,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 3%
$1,513/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 5%
426,845
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $1,035/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Durham — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Durham?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Durham?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $1,035/year higher in Minneapolis.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Durham details →

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