Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Minneapolis is 55% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,329/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 26%
$80,269/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 31%
$345,600 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 46%
$1,513/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 33%
426,845
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $24,990/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Minneapolis or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and St. Louis?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or St. Louis?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $24,990/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Missouri?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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