Median rent is 26% lower in Minneapolis ($1,329/mo vs $1,784/mo). Buying is cheaper in Minneapolis, where the median home runs $345,600 versus $445,100. Households earn more in Towson ($100,481 vs $80,269 a year). Taken together, Towson 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 Towson, MD.
City A
Minneapolis, MN
City B
Towson, MD
How much would you need to earn in Towson, MD to maintain your standard of living from Minneapolis, MN?
Equivalent salary in Towson, MD
$74,838
You could earn $162 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Minneapolis
Minnesota
Towson
Maryland
👥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 $1,784/mo in Towson, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Towson: the median home is $445,100 versus $345,600 in Minneapolis — 22% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85% versus 5.75% in Maryland, so Towson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.88% in Minnesota and 6.00% in Maryland; Towson has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Minneapolis
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Towson
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Minneapolis (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for Towson.
Pick Towson if you prioritize higher median household income ($100,481/yr).
Pick Minneapolis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,329/mo median).
Pick Towson if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Minneapolis cheaper than Towson?
Towson 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 Towson.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Towson?
Median rent is $1,329/mo in Minneapolis, MN and $1,784/mo in Towson, MD. Minneapolis, MN has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Minneapolis or Towson?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis, MN and $100,481 in Towson, MD. Towson, 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 — Minneapolis or Towson?
Minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85% and Maryland's is 5.75%. Towson, MD has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Towson to match my Minneapolis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Minneapolis, MN is equivalent to roughly $99,784 in Towson, MD (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