Cleveland vs Minneapolis: cost of living compared
Minneapolis is 32% more expensive than Cleveland 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 Cleveland and Minneapolis means a substantial shift in your overall cost of living. Cleveland offers a significantly more affordable environment, with its overall expenses being noticeably below the national average. Minneapolis, conversely, presents a higher cost burden, with its expenses generally exceeding the national benchmark. This difference is largely driven by housing costs, which show the most dramatic disparity between the two metros.
Housing
Housing is where the financial differences are most pronounced. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Minneapolis than in Cleveland. The median home price in Minneapolis is substantially higher, and monthly rents for a one-bedroom unit also show a significant gap. While both metros feature a mix of housing types, the cost of entry into the housing market is much lower in Cleveland, impacting property taxes and insurance proportionally.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also contribute to Minneapolis being a more costly place to live. Groceries, healthcare services, and utility bills are all higher in Minneapolis. Transportation costs are somewhat more expensive in Minneapolis, though the difference is less dramatic than for housing. Additionally, Minnesota has a state income tax rate that is notably higher than Ohio's, impacting take-home pay for many residents.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities involves lifestyle adjustments. Minneapolis experiences colder winters with more snow, while Cleveland's climate is generally milder, though still featuring four distinct seasons. Minneapolis is often perceived as having a more structured urban layout with extensive park systems and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation. Cleveland offers a more industrial heritage, with a developing urban core and access to Lake Erie, and both cities offer public transit options, though the pace of life might feel slightly different.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Cleveland offers a much more budget-friendly option across nearly all categories, particularly housing. While Minneapolis provides a robust economy and quality of life, it comes with a higher price tag for everyday necessities and a considerably greater investment in housing. Your household budget will stretch much further in Cleveland, allowing for different financial priorities compared to living in Minneapolis.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 108 |
| Housing index | 57 | 94 |
| Transportation index | 91 | 98 |
| Food index | 90 | 102 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 105 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 82 | 98 |
| Median home price | $188,000 | $328,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $950/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.