Las Vegas vs Minneapolis: cost of living compared
Minneapolis is 6% more expensive than Las Vegas overall. Las Vegas (NV) has no state income tax; MN tops out around 7.05%.
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
Comparing overall expenses, Minneapolis is noticeably more expensive than Las Vegas. While housing costs are significantly lower in Minneapolis, other major categories like food, healthcare, and state income tax contribute to a higher overall burden. Las Vegas benefits from no state income tax and lower costs for food and healthcare, which helps balance its higher housing expenses.
Housing
Housing presents a clear difference, with median home prices in Minneapolis being considerably lower than in Las Vegas. However, median one-bedroom rents are roughly similar in both metros. Las Vegas's housing market is notably more expensive, but property taxes are generally lower. Minneapolis offers a more traditional housing stock, often with older homes, while Las Vegas features newer developments.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily spending varies, with Minneapolis residents facing higher costs for food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Las Vegas. A significant difference is the absence of state income tax in Las Vegas, which can impact take-home pay. Transportation costs are slightly lower in Las Vegas, and average commute times are comparable between the two cities.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are distinct. Las Vegas offers a desert climate with abundant sunshine and mild winters, while Minneapolis experiences four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters. Las Vegas is known for its entertainment and a more spread-out urban design, often requiring a car. Minneapolis has a strong park system and a more compact city center with public transit options.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros involves a trade-off. While Minneapolis offers a more affordable entry into homeownership, the lack of state income tax and lower costs for several everyday necessities in Las Vegas can offset its higher housing prices. A household's budget will be impacted differently depending on whether housing or other daily expenses, including state taxes, represent a larger portion of their spending.
| Measure | Las Vegas, NV | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 108 |
| Housing index | 107 | 94 |
| Transportation index | 94 | 98 |
| Food index | 98 | 102 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 105 |
| Utilities index | 118 | 108 |
| Misc index | 92 | 98 |
| Median home price | $398,000 | $328,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/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.