2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Des Moines, WA vs Minneapolis, MN

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Minneapolis or is it cheaper to live in Des Moines?
- Minneapolis is 32.2% less expensive than Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, Minneapolis or Des Moines?
- Minneapolis housing costs are 34.7% less expensive than Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in Minneapolis.
- Health related expenses are 14.1% less in Minneapolis.
 Des Moines, WAMinneapolis, MNUnited States
 Overall  Unlock107.2100
 Food & Groceries101.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock75.8100
 Housing173.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$294,200$338,100
 Utilities72  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock108.5100
 Miscellaneous150.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Des Moines    0 Reviews

Start Your Review of Des Moines

Reviews for Minneapolis    163 Reviews

Lived here since 2007. Great city. I would’ve gave it 5 stars but the winter weather ??. Great for many, I’m burned out on it. We’re the coldest major city in the US and  More

   |    Reply

It’s not Minnesota nice, it’s sardonic.. we know you’re full of **** but we will play along for a while, make you uncomfortable for attempting to pull one over on us..  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I lived in Minneapolis (or St. Paul or Stillwater) for 20 years. Minneapolis is a very livable city. It has quality museums, good transportation, excellent healthcare,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Minneapolis


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.