Quick answer
Atlanta is 21% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. A $100K salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $121,000 in Minneapolis.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Atlanta vs Minneapolis Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Atlanta is 21% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-16% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$121,000
Atlanta vs Minneapolis: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,380/mo
-16%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$1,750/mo
-17%
Median home price
$385K
$320K
-17%
Avg monthly groceries
$360
$360
+0%
Avg monthly utilities
$165
$155
-6%
State income tax
5.49%
Up to 9.85%
Atlanta saves
Walk score
48/100
69/100
Minneapolis better
Transit score
42/100
55/100
Minneapolis better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living as your current Atlanta salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$72,000
$50,000
$80,000
$97,000
$66,000
$100,000
$121,000
$83,000
$120,000
$145,000
$99,000
$150,000
$181,000
$124,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Atlanta vs Minneapolis
Who Each City Is Best For
Atlanta is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓film industry professionals
- ✓logistics professionals
- ✓Southern culture enthusiasts
Minneapolis is best for
- ✓corporate professionals
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts (winter sports)
- ✓arts and culture seekers
FAQs
Is Atlanta or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Atlanta is 21% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. Atlanta 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Minneapolis ($1,380/mo). Median home price: Atlanta $385K vs Minneapolis $320K.
How much salary do I need in Minneapolis to match $100K in Atlanta?
$121,000 in Minneapolis is equivalent to $100,000 in Atlanta based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-16% difference) and state taxes (Atlanta: 5.49% vs Minneapolis: Up to 9.85%).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Minneapolis?
1BR: Atlanta $1,650/mo vs Minneapolis $1,380/mo (-16%). 2BR: Atlanta $2,100/mo vs Minneapolis $1,750/mo (-17%).
Does Atlanta or Minneapolis have lower taxes?
Atlanta (GA) has 5.49% state income tax. Minneapolis (MN) has Up to 9.85% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,360.