Chicago vs Minneapolis: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Minneapolis is 4% more expensive than Chicago. Chicago is 30% safer. Chicago has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Chicago population: 2,731,585. Minneapolis population: 430,324.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs Minneapolis
Chicago is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 115 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 5 index points.
| Category | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 115 | 120 |
| Housing | $2,937/moIndex: 165 | $3,026/moIndex: 170 |
| Groceries | $431/moIndex: 105 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $385/moIndex: 110 | $368/moIndex: 105 |
| Healthcare | $336/moIndex: 105 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Chicago vs Minneapolis
Chicago is 30% safer overall, with a crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000 residents vs Minneapolis's 50.5. Chicago earns a D+ safety grade compared to Minneapolis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Chicago
Illinois
Minneapolis
Minnesota
| Metric | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 35.5/1K | 50.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 750.0 | 850.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2800.0 | 4200.0 |
| Murder Rate | 14.1 | 11.0 |
| Assault Rate | 608.5 | 544.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.9 | 188.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 376.8 | 739.1 |
| Theft Rate | 1938.2 | 3221.7 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 674.0 | 536.4 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Chicago, you have a 1 in 28 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 20 in Minneapolis.
Climate: Chicago vs Minneapolis
Chicago Climate Overview
Minneapolis Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Chicago | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 59.3°F | 54.9°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 42.8°F | 36.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 36.9" | 30.4" |
| Annual Snow | 36.1" | 53.6" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 4 | 5 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Minneapolis is 12°F colder in winter than Chicago. Minneapolis gets significantly more snow (54" vs 36"). Chicago is wetter with 37" of annual rain compared to 30".
Frequently Asked Questions
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Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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