Boise vs Minneapolis: cost of living compared
Minneapolis is 6% more expensive than Boise overall.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, the cost of living is somewhat higher in Minneapolis compared to Boise. This difference is primarily driven by significantly higher housing costs in Boise, which are offset by more affordable transportation and utilities there. Minneapolis offers a more moderate housing market but has higher costs for everyday essentials like food and healthcare, contributing to its slightly elevated overall index.
Housing
Housing costs present a notable difference, with Boise being considerably more expensive for home purchases. Median home prices are substantially higher in Boise, while Minneapolis offers more accessible homeownership. However, median rents for a one-bedroom apartment are roughly similar in both cities. Minneapolis's housing stock often includes older, established neighborhoods, while Boise has seen more recent development.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with Minneapolis having a state income tax that Boise does not, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are noticeably lower in Boise, where commutes are also shorter on average. Conversely, Minneapolis residents face higher costs for food, healthcare, and utilities. Miscellaneous goods and services are also somewhat more expensive in Minneapolis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differs. Boise offers a high desert climate with distinct seasons and easy access to outdoor recreation, while Minneapolis experiences cold, snowy winters and humid summers, with a more developed public transit system. Minneapolis is a larger, denser city with a more established urban core, whereas Boise maintains a somewhat more relaxed pace.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Boise generally offers a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to its more affordable transportation and utilities, despite its significantly higher home prices. Minneapolis, while having a slightly higher overall index, presents a more affordable housing market for buyers. The presence of a state income tax in Minneapolis is also a key financial consideration.
| Measure | Boise, ID | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 108 |
| Housing index | 110 | 94 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 98 |
| Food index | 95 | 102 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 105 |
| Utilities index | 88 | 108 |
| Misc index | 90 | 98 |
| Median home price | $418,000 | $328,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 22 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Minneapolis home with the True Cost Calculator.