Median rent is 2% lower in Minneapolis ($1,371/mo vs $1,397/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $243,100 versus $362,200. Households earn more in Minneapolis ($80,846 vs $61,953 a year). Taken together, Philadelphia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 104.3 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Minneapolis, MN.
Cost of living verdict
Philadelphia is 2% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.4 in Philadelphia vs 104.3 in Minneapolis (US national average = 100)
City A
Minneapolis, MN
City B
Philadelphia, PA
How much would you need to earn in Philadelphia, PA to maintain your standard of living from Minneapolis, MN?
Equivalent salary in Philadelphia, PA
$73,606
You could earn $1,394 less (2% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Minneapolis
Minnesota
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,371/mo in Minneapolis and $1,397/mo in Philadelphia. Home buyers face a steeper market in Minneapolis: the median home is $362,200 versus $243,100 in Philadelphia — 33% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Minneapolis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Philadelphia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Minneapolis averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate) and Philadelphia averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Minneapolis if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,846/yr).
Is Minneapolis cheaper than Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 104.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Philadelphia.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Philadelphia?
Median rent is $1,371/mo in Minneapolis, MN and $1,397/mo in Philadelphia, PA. Minneapolis, MN has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Minneapolis or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $80,846 in Minneapolis, MN and $61,953 in Philadelphia, PA. Minneapolis, MN 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?
Philadelphia, PA has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Minneapolis or Philadelphia?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match my Minneapolis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Minneapolis, MN is equivalent to roughly $98,141 in Philadelphia, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
