Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Washington is 68% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,900/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 30%
$106,287/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 24%
$724,600 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 52%
$2,103/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 28%
672,079
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $26,018/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Washington or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $26,018/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Minnesota?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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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