Cost of Living: Chicago vs Minneapolis (2026)
Compare cost of living: Chicago vs Minneapolis. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Minneapolis is 17% cheaper.
Chicago is approximately 17% more expensive than Minneapolis overall. Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis could save you $5400+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Chicago vs Minneapolis including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Chicago or Minneapolis is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Chicago | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 131 | 112 | +17% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $1,850/mo | $1,400/mo | +$450 |
| Median Salary | $62,000 | $62,000 | $0 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $95 | $92 | +$3 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $105 | $95 | +$10 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Chicago, you would need approximately $64,122 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Minneapolis requires $87,723 in Chicago.
| Salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,748 |
| $75,000 | $64,122 |
| $100,000 | $85,496 |
| $125,000 | $106,870 |
| $150,000 | $128,244 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $1,850 in Chicago vs $1,400 in Minneapolis — $450/month or $5,400/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.