Minneapolis vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Minneapolis feels like approximately $46,375 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Minneapolis feels like $46,375 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 34%.

Income
Housing

Minneapolis

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,405/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
MN tax applies
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,228
 
$4,523
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.
 
St. Louis represents one of the strongest value propositions among major metros — the lowest housing costs of the 35 metros, free museum access in Forest Park, and a revitalizing arts and restaurant scene.
Walk Score
71
 
66
Comfortable
$60-80k · Minneapolis vs St. Louis
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 St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Minneapolis vs St. Louis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Minneapolis or St. Louis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,405/mo in Minneapolis and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Minneapolis?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Minneapolis feels like approximately $46,375 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 34% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Minneapolis and St. Louis?

Minneapolis is in MN (MN levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO 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.