Median rent is 33% lower in Minneapolis ($1,329/mo vs $1,998/mo). Buying is cheaper in Minneapolis, where the median home runs $345,600 versus $480,300. Households earn more in Columbia ($129,173 vs $80,269 a year). Taken together, Columbia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 102.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Columbia, MD.
City A
Columbia, MD
City B
Minneapolis, MN
How much would you need to earn in Minneapolis, MN to maintain your standard of living from Columbia, MD?
Equivalent salary in Minneapolis, MN
$75,163
You'd need $163 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Columbia
Maryland
Minneapolis
Minnesota
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Minneapolis — median rent of $1,329/mo versus $1,998/mo in Columbia, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Columbia: the median home is $480,300 versus $345,600 in Minneapolis — 28% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 9.85% in Minnesota, so Columbia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Maryland and 6.88% in Minnesota; Columbia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbia
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Minneapolis
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Air quality data is available for Minneapolis (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Columbia if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,173/yr).
Pick Minneapolis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,329/mo median).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Columbia cheaper than Minneapolis?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Columbia vs Minneapolis?
Median rent is $1,998/mo in Columbia, MD and $1,329/mo in Minneapolis, MN. Minneapolis, MN has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbia or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $129,173 in Columbia, MD and $80,269 in Minneapolis, MN. Columbia, MD has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Columbia or Minneapolis?
Maryland's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Minnesota's is 9.85%. Columbia, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Minneapolis to match my Columbia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbia, MD is equivalent to roughly $100,217 in Minneapolis, MN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology