Quick answer
Phoenix is 66% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. A $100K salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $166,000 in Minneapolis.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Phoenix 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
Phoenix is 66% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+0% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$166,000
Phoenix vs Minneapolis: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,380/mo
$1,380/mo
+0%
2BR median rent
$1,720/mo
$1,750/mo
+2%
Median home price
$415K
$320K
-23%
Avg monthly groceries
$345
$360
+4%
Avg monthly utilities
$195
$155
-21%
State income tax
2.5%
Up to 9.85%
Phoenix saves
Walk score
41/100
69/100
Minneapolis better
Transit score
29/100
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 Phoenix salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$100,000
$36,000
$80,000
$133,000
$48,000
$100,000
$166,000
$60,000
$120,000
$199,000
$72,000
$150,000
$249,000
$90,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Phoenix vs Minneapolis
Who Each City Is Best For
Phoenix is best for
- ✓remote workers
- ✓retirees
- ✓families on a budget
- ✓snowbirds
Minneapolis is best for
- ✓corporate professionals
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts (winter sports)
- ✓arts and culture seekers
FAQs
Is Phoenix or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Phoenix is 66% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. Phoenix 1BR rent ($1,380/mo) vs Minneapolis ($1,380/mo). Median home price: Phoenix $415K vs Minneapolis $320K.
How much salary do I need in Minneapolis to match $100K in Phoenix?
$166,000 in Minneapolis is equivalent to $100,000 in Phoenix based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+0% difference) and state taxes (Phoenix: 2.5% vs Minneapolis: Up to 9.85%).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Minneapolis?
1BR: Phoenix $1,380/mo vs Minneapolis $1,380/mo (+0%). 2BR: Phoenix $1,720/mo vs Minneapolis $1,750/mo (+2%).
Does Phoenix or Minneapolis have lower taxes?
Phoenix (AZ) has 2.5% state income tax. Minneapolis (MN) has Up to 9.85% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$7,350.