Question 1

Is Minneapolis or Portland cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis, MN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $423/month less than in Portland, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,709/mo in Minneapolis versus $1,922/mo in Portland.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Minneapolis vs Portland?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,000/year before tax in Minneapolis, MN and $89,000/year in Portland, OR — a difference of about $14,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Minneapolis or Portland cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis, the same answer as for a single person. A four-person household runs about $7,554/month in Minneapolis and $8,478/month in Portland, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

Question 4

Should I move to Minneapolis or Portland?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Minneapolis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Minneapolis53	Portland58
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,999	$4,422
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$7,554	$8,478
Salary for comfort	$75,000/yr	$89,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,709	$1,922
Median home value	$345,600	$557,600
Median household income	$80,269	$88,792
Unemployment	4.1%	4.7%
Housing score	62	38
Jobs score	29	26
Safety score	11	53
Climate score	74	93
Amenities score	64	79
Population	426.8K	642.7K
Summer high / winter low	86° / 8°	80° / 38°

Minneapolis, MN vs Portland, OR