Cincinnati vs Minneapolis: cost of living compared
Minneapolis is 23% more expensive than Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 7.05% in MN.
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
Moving between Cincinnati and Minneapolis involves a substantial shift in overall expenses. Cincinnati offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to the national average, while Minneapolis is somewhat above it. The most significant factor driving this difference is housing, which is considerably more affordable in Cincinnati. Other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to Cincinnati's more budget-friendly profile, making it a more economical choice overall.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Minneapolis than in Cincinnati. Cincinnati's housing market is much more accessible, with typical homes and rental units costing substantially less. While property taxes and insurance vary, the initial outlay for a home or monthly rent is a much bigger financial commitment in Minneapolis, where housing stock can include a mix of older and newer builds.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a clear divergence. State income tax rates are notably higher in Minnesota, impacting take-home pay for Minneapolis residents. Transportation costs are slightly lower in Cincinnati, and daily necessities like groceries, healthcare services, and utility bills are all more budget-friendly there. This means that routine household spending will generally be less burdensome in Cincinnati, allowing for more discretionary income.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. Minneapolis experiences colder, snowier winters and a distinct four-season climate, while Cincinnati has a more temperate climate with hot summers and milder winters. Both metros offer urban amenities, but Minneapolis is known for its extensive park systems and outdoor recreation, often with a slightly more spread-out feel. Commute times are roughly similar in both cities, indicating comparable daily travel experiences.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cincinnati offers a significantly more affordable cost of living across nearly all categories. The most substantial savings will be found in housing, but lower state income taxes and reduced everyday expenses for food, healthcare, and utilities also contribute. A move to Minneapolis would generally entail a higher household budget, particularly due to housing and state income tax differences, requiring careful financial planning.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 108 |
| Housing index | 66 | 94 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 98 |
| Food index | 92 | 102 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 105 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 88 | 98 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $328,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 26 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.