San Antonio, 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 28% higher in Minneapolis, MN. Home prices in Minneapolis, MN run 57% higher.

$62,917
Income in San Antonio
$80,269
Income in Minneapolis
$1,258
Rent in San Antonio
$1,329
Rent in Minneapolis

Detailed Comparison

Metric
San Antonio, TX
Minneapolis, MN
Difference
Median Household Income
$62,917
$80,269
28% higher
Median Home Value
$219,700
$345,600
57% more
Median Monthly Rent
$1,258
$1,329
6% more
Median Monthly Housing Costs
$1,235
$1,513
23% more
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
5.6%
2% less
Population
1,458,954
426,845

Housing Costs and Affordability

A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In San Antonio, TX, renters allocate roughly 24.0% 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 San Antonio, TX, that ratio is 3.5x. Homes cost 3.5 times the median annual income. In Minneapolis, MN, it's 4.3x. Homes are relatively more attainable in San Antonio, TX.

Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,235 in San Antonio and $1,513 in Minneapolis. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.

Income and Labor Market

Median household income in San Antonio, TX is $62,917; in Minneapolis, MN it is $80,269. That's a $17,352 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.

Unemployment stands at 5.7% in San Antonio and 5.6% in Minneapolis. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 52.0% in San Antonio versus 61.0% in Minneapolis.

Population

San Antonio, TX has a population of 1,458,954, 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