Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Minneapolis is 18% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $61,154 in Minneapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Minneapolis has a housing index of 112 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Minneapolis costs $310,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Minneapolis versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Minneapolis scores 104 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Minneapolis (105) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Minneapolis is $64,285 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Minneapolis.
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