Dallas, TX vs Minneapolis, MN

Cost of Living Comparison — 2026

Renters in Minneapolis, MN spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 18% higher in Minneapolis, MN. Home prices in Minneapolis, MN run 17% higher.

$67,760
Income in Dallas
$80,269
Income in Minneapolis
$1,403
Rent in Dallas
$1,329
Rent in Minneapolis

Detailed Comparison

Metric
Dallas, TX
Minneapolis, MN
Difference
Median Household Income
$67,760
$80,269
18% higher
Median Home Value
$295,300
$345,600
17% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,403
$1,329
5% less
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,409
$1,513
7% more
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
5.6%
14% more
Population
1,299,553
426,845

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In Dallas, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.8% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In Minneapolis, MN, the figure is 19.9% , making Minneapolis, MN the easier city for renters on a budget.

For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In Dallas, TX, that ratio is 4.4x. Homes cost 4.4 times the median annual income. In Minneapolis, MN, it's 4.3x. Homeownership is relatively more accessible in Minneapolis, MN.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,409 in Dallas and $1,513 in Minneapolis. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in Dallas, TX is $67,760; in Minneapolis, MN it is $80,269. That's a $12,509 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 4.9% in Dallas and 5.6% in Minneapolis. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 54.0% in Dallas versus 61.0% in Minneapolis.

Population

Dallas, TX has a population of 1,299,553, making it the larger of the two cities. Minneapolis, MN has 426,845 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.

Data Sources

All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.

Verify this data at data.census.gov