Minneapolis vs Philadelphia

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Minneapolis feels like approximately $69,236 in Philadelphia.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Minneapolis feels like $69,236 in Philadelphia. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 1%.

Income
Housing

Minneapolis

Philadelphia

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
moderate
1BR Rent
$1,405/mo
 
$1,520/mo
State Tax
MN tax applies
 
PA tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,228
 
$4,624
Remote Work Fit
Minneapolis is an underrated remote work city — above-average wages, accessible housing, strong transit, and outdoor culture that rivals warmer metros in three seasons.
 
Philadelphia is increasingly explored by remote workers leaving higher-cost Northeastern metros. Its transit access, cultural density, and relative housing affordability make it a compelling option for those maintaining coastal salaries.
Walk Score
71
 
75
Comfortable
$60-80k · Minneapolis vs Philadelphia
Income Reality Check

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

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,228/mo take-home

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

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

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FAQ

Minneapolis vs Philadelphia — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Minneapolis or Philadelphia?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,405/mo in Minneapolis and $1,520/mo in Philadelphia. Minneapolis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

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

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Minneapolis feels like approximately $69,236 in Philadelphia — a reduction of about 1% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Minneapolis and Philadelphia?

Minneapolis is in MN (MN levies income tax) and Philadelphia is in PA (PA 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.