Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Salem, OR (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Minneapolis is 3% cheaper than Salem.

$1,329/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ≈ Same
$80,269/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 10%
$345,600 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 11%
$1,513/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 5%
426,845
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,369/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Minneapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Salem — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Salem 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 Salem?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Salem?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $8,369/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Oregon?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Salem details →

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