Minneapolis vs Orlando: cost of living compared
Orlando is 3% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. Orlando (FL) 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, Orlando presents a slightly lower cost of living than Minneapolis. This difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are notably higher in Orlando, and the presence of a state income tax in Minneapolis. However, other categories like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses tend to be more affordable in Orlando, helping to balance the overall picture for residents considering a move between these two distinct metros.
Housing
Housing costs, both for purchasing and renting, are more expensive in Orlando compared to Minneapolis. While home prices show a clear difference, renters will also find Minneapolis more budget-friendly. Beyond the mortgage, Orlando homeowners often face additional expenses such as higher homeowners insurance premiums, potential flood insurance requirements, and common community association fees. Property taxes in Florida also reset to market value upon sale, impacting new buyers.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary significantly. Orlando offers more affordable food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services. Transportation costs are also somewhat lower in Minneapolis, and commute times are roughly comparable. A major distinction is the absence of a state income tax in Florida, which can lead to more take-home pay for Orlando residents, offsetting some of the higher housing costs when compared to Minneapolis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer different experiences. Minneapolis features a distinct four-season climate with cold winters, while Orlando provides a warm, humid, and often sunny climate year-round, with a hurricane season during summer and fall. Minneapolis has a well-developed public transit system, while Orlando is more car-dependent. Orlando's economy is heavily influenced by tourism, contributing to a faster pace and denser areas in certain parts of the region.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, Orlando generally offers a slightly lower overall cost of living, largely due to more affordable everyday goods and the absence of a state income tax. However, housing, both for purchase and rent, is more expensive in Orlando, and homeowners should budget for potentially higher insurance and property tax burdens. Minneapolis presents a more affordable housing market but comes with a state income tax and higher costs for healthcare and food.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 105 |
| Housing index | 94 | 104 |
| Transportation index | 98 | 104 |
| Food index | 102 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 105 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 108 |
| Misc index | 98 | 92 |
| Median home price | $328,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Orlando home with the True Cost Calculator.