City Comparison · 2026
Minneapolis vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Minneapolis = $118k in Chicago
Metric
Minneapolis
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.17
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,600/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$2,050/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
MN
IL
$100k Take-Home
$72,396
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
27.6%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$53,196
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Minneapolis MN | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,628 $3,886/mo · 22.29% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $72,396 $6,033/mo · 27.6% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $103,055 $8,588/mo · 31.3% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minneapolis or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Minneapolis has a cost-of-living index of 1.17 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Minneapolis is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Minneapolis is $1,600/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Minneapolis?
$100k in Minneapolis = $118k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 17.9%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Minneapolis or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $72,396 in MN (Minneapolis) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $53,196 in Minneapolis vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideMinneapolis vs New York City cost of livingMinneapolis vs Los Angeles cost of livingMinneapolis vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in MinneapolisCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in MinneapolisRegistered Nurse salary in MinneapolisWhere does $100k rank nationally?