Moving to a new city can be an exciting experience. If you’re considering moving to Minneapolis, there are important considerations to weigh before making the move.
What is The Cost of Living in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis offers a range of amenities and opportunities for its residents. As more people consider moving to the city for work, education, or a change of scenery, understanding the cost of living in Minneapolis is essential.
Cost of Living Compared to The National Average
The cost of living in Minneapolis differs from the national average in several key areas. Salaries in Minneapolis are slightly higher than the national average, with an average weekly income of $994 compared to the national average of $887. [1]
Coupled with that, the median home price in the U.S. is around $370,000, with housing prices in the Twin Cities metro area around that at $309,900. [2]
Minnesota Tax Rates
The minimum 2023 sales tax rate for Minneapolis is 9.03%. compared to the sales tax rate for Minnesota which is currently 6.88%. The county sales tax rate is 0.15%. [3]
A vehicle registration tax of 1.25% is imposed in Minneapolis. This tax is based on the market value of the vehicle and is payable annually when the vehicle is registered.
Minnesota also has a graduated income tax system with four different rates ranging from 5.35 percent to 9.85 percent, applied to income brackets based on filing status.
Transportation in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has a great transportation system that serves its residents and visitors alike.
Availability and Accessibility of Public Transportation
The current availability and accessibility of public transportation, specifically the light rail system, in our area, is quite extensive.
With multiple lines covering key areas, the light rail provides an efficient mode of transport for commuters. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with peak-hour services offering increased frequency. Stations are strategically located to serve both residential and commercial areas, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of the system. Designated spaces for wheelchair users and priority seating for those with mobility challenges are available on all trains.
Regarding accommodations for individuals with disabilities, the light rail system has made significant strides to ensure accessibility for all passengers. All stations are equipped with ramps, elevators, and tactile paving for the visually impaired.
Buses are also a huge part of the public transportation system of Minneapolis, residents of the Twin Cities board Metro Transit buses an average of 70,000 times each weekday. [4]
Average Commute Time in Minneapolis
According to 2021 traffic and transportation data, the average commute time for Minneapolitans is approximately 23.2 minutes.
This data takes into consideration the various methods of transportation commonly used by residents, including:
- Biking
- Driving
- Public Transportation
- Walking
Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation in Minneapolis, with a large portion of residents relying on their own vehicles to commute. [5]
Walking/Biking Options and City Blocks Layout
Minneapolis offers a variety of walking and biking options. The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is a network of interconnected parkways, trails, and scenic areas that provides over 50 miles of walking and biking paths.
The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile-long former railroad corridor that has been converted into a biking and walking trail, offering a convenient way to traverse the city. The Nice Ride bike-sharing program provides over 200 stations across Minneapolis, allowing individuals to rent bikes for short-term use.
Minneapolis’ grid layout contributes to its walkability and bike-friendliness. The city’s street layout, with its numbered streets and avenues, makes navigation straightforward and convenient for pedestrians and cyclists.
This grid design also provides easy access to various amenities and attractions, promoting a pedestrian and bike-friendly environment. The city’s commitment to expanding and maintaining its network of trails and bike lanes further enhances its walkability and bike-friendliness.
Traffic Congestion During Rush Hour
The population of Minneapolis has been steadily growing over the years, leading to more vehicles on the road during peak commute times.
The infrastructure of the city has struggled to keep up with the growing population and the increased demand for transportation options. The impact of this congestion on commuters’ travel times is can lead to increased stress levels among commuters. If you are moving to Minneapolis, it’s helpful to build an extra 15 minutes into your commute time to ensure you will arrive on time.
Driving Restrictions Within the City Limits
There are high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes that require a minimum number of passengers in the vehicle to use. In certain areas, there are also time-based restrictions for certain types of vehicles, such as commercial trucks or oversized vehicles.
Parking restrictions are also enforced within the city, with specific zones designated for resident parking, metered parking areas, and no parking zones. Following these restrictions will help you avoid fines or towing.
Weather in Minneapolis
Minneapolis experiences diverse weather patterns throughout the year, with four distinct seasons and a wide range of temperatures.
From cold, snowy winters to warm, humid summers, Minneapolis’s weather can vary drastically, making it important for residents and visitors to be prepared for changing conditions.
Typical Winter Conditions
Minneapolis experiences typical winter conditions with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is around 7°F with nighttime temperatures often dropping below zero.
The city receives an average of 54 inches of snowfall throughout the winter, leading to snow-covered streets and sidewalks. [5]
The low temperatures and heavy snowfall have a significant impact on daily life and outdoor activities. Residents must bundle up in layers to stay warm, and driving becomes more challenging with icy roads and reduced visibility.
If you plan to move to Minneapolis, you will need hats, scarves, gloves, and a warm winter jacket. If you are going to buy a house, you will also want to buy rock salt to melt the ice on the sidewalk and driveway of your new home. Snowblowers or shovels also become a necessity when the snow is piled high. If you have a car, don’t forget to buy a brush to wipe the snow away!
Many people move to Minneapolis just to experience the winter recreation options available in the area. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, ice skating, and sledding are all available at local Minneapolis parks.
Planning to move to Minneapolis and need help with packing and moving?
Reach out to the experienced movers at Matt’s Moving today!
FAQs
So far during 2024, the median listing home price in Minneapolis, MN was $329.9K, with a year-over-year increase of 6.6%. The median listing home price per square foot was $236, and the median home sold price was $309.9K. [2]
The city experiences an average of 54 inches of snowfall during the winter, resulting in snowy streets and sidewalks and a total of approximately 196 days of sunshine. [6]
Minneapolis has a population of over 425,000, making it the largest city in Minnesota. [7]
Sources:
[1] Average Salary in Minnesota [Review of Average Salary in Minnesota (2024) – Ziprecruiter. (n.d.). https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/–in-Minnesota
[2] Minneapolis, MN 2024 Housing Market | realtor.com®. (n.d.). Www.realtor.com. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Minneapolis_MN/overview
[3] Minneapolis, Minnesota Sales Tax Rate (2023) – Avalara. (n.d.). Avalara, Inc. https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/minnesota/cities/minneapolis.html#
[4] Bus – Metro Transit. (n.d.). https://www.metrotransit.org/bus
[5] Top 10 coldest states in the US with brutal winters. (2024, January 18). Study International. https://studyinternational.com/news/coldest-states-in-the-us/
[6] Commercial Snow Plowing & Snow Removal in Minneapolis, MN | Earth Development. (n.d.). https://earthdevelopmentinc.com/locations/minneapolis-snow-removal
[7] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Minneapolis city, Minnesota. (n.d.). www.census.gov. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/minneapoliscityminnesota/PST045223
