Minneapolis vs Scranton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Minneapolis
Scranton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 17.8%, with Scranton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Minneapolis has equivalent purchasing power to $63,679 in Scranton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Minneapolis has the same purchasing power as $63,679 in Scranton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Scranton equals $88,333 in Minneapolis.
Living in Minneapolis vs Scranton
Housing Costs
Minneapolis's housing index of 112 is higher Scranton's 65, translating to median home prices of $310,000 vs $195,000. The $115,000 difference in home prices means roughly $7,476 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,500/mo in Minneapolis compared to $1,025/mo in Scranton, a monthly difference of $475.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in Minneapolis and 98 in Scranton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in Minneapolis vs $466/month in Scranton. Scranton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Minneapolis and 102 in Scranton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Minneapolis vs $408 in Scranton. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 105 in Minneapolis and 90 in Scranton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $64,285 in Minneapolis and $49,500 in Scranton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $60,646 and $55,000 respectively. Minneapolis residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,500/month to housing in Minneapolis vs $1,155/month in Scranton. In Minneapolis, median rent of $1,500/mo fits within this budget. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 47 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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