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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Raleigh is 8% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,468/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 9%
$82,424/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 3%
$377,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 9%
$1,487/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 2%
470,763
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $2,155/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Raleigh or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $2,155/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Minnesota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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.
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