Houston vs Minneapolis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Houston feels like approximately $84,387 in Minneapolis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Houston feels like $84,387 in Minneapolis. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 21%.

Income
Housing

Houston

Minneapolis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,323/mo
 
$1,405/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MN tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,228
Remote Work Fit
Houston's low housing costs and no state income tax make it attractive for remote workers. The trade-offs include car dependence and a subtropical climate.
 
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
47
 
71
Spacious
$60-80k · Houston 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 Houston, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.

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

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FAQ

Houston vs Minneapolis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Houston or Minneapolis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,323/mo in Houston and $1,405/mo in Minneapolis. Houston has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

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

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Houston feels like approximately $84,387 in Minneapolis — a gain of about 21% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Houston and Minneapolis?

Houston 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.