Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Minneapolis is 38% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,329/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 44%
$80,269/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 34%
$345,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 105%
$1,513/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 21%
426,845
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $27,103/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $27,103/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Arizona?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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