Austin vs Minneapolis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $71,475 in Minneapolis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $71,475 in Minneapolis. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 2%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Minneapolis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,405/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MN tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,228
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Minneapolis is an underrated remote work city — above-average wages, accessible housing, strong transit, and outdoor culture that rivals warmer metros in three seasons.
Walk Score
42
 
71
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Minneapolis
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Minneapolis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Austin vs Minneapolis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Minneapolis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,405/mo in Minneapolis. Minneapolis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Minneapolis to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $71,475 in Minneapolis — a gain of about 2% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Minneapolis?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Minneapolis is in MN (MN levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.