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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Phoenix is 7% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,458/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 9%
$77,041/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↑ 4%
$381,900 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 10%
$1,430/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 6%
1,624,832
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $3,228/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Phoenix or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $3,228/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Minneapolis details →

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