ReloMath

Chicago, IL vs Minneapolis, MN: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Minneapolis, MN. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Chicago, IL

IL

Overall RPP (US=100)
105.7
Housing RPP
110.9
Goods RPP
106.7
2-BR median rent
$1,714/mo

Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.

Minneapolis, MN

MN

Overall RPP (US=100)
102.9
Housing RPP
119.2
Goods RPP
102.7
2-BR median rent
$1,622/mo

Minnesota income tax 5.35%-9.85%. No city income tax.

Equivalent salary

Minneapolis, MN is cheaper than Chicago, IL by about 2.6% (RPP 105.7 to 102.9).

$60,000 in Chicago, IL

-> $58,411

in Minneapolis, MN

$100,000 in Chicago, IL

-> $97,351

in Minneapolis, MN

$150,000 in Chicago, IL

-> $146,026

in Minneapolis, MN

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
Minneapolis, MN (RPP 102.9) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 2.6%.
What salary do I need in Minneapolis, MN if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
You would need approximately $97,351 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (102.9 / 105.7).