Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Minneapolis is 14% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $64,634 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Minneapolis has a housing index of 112 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Minneapolis costs $310,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Minneapolis versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Minneapolis scores 104 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Minneapolis (105) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Minneapolis is $64,285 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Minneapolis.
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