Minneapolis, MN vs. Plymouth, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to the Minneapolis area in 2025 and weighing your options between the city proper and nearby Plymouth? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key differences in housing, utilities, groceries and more between Minneapolis and Plymouth to help you decide which location best fits your lifestyle and budget.
Let’s follow along with the fictional Anderson family as they crunch the numbers on a potential relocation from Minneapolis to Plymouth.
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Housing Costs: Minneapolis vs Plymouth
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical rental and purchase prices stack up between the two cities:
| Housing Type | Minneapolis | Plymouth |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Plymouth has the edge on rental prices, while Minneapolis is more affordable for home purchases.
“With two kids, we’d definitely need at least a 3 bedroom place,” notes Sarah Anderson. “It looks like we could save around $200 per month on rent in Plymouth, but buying a comparable home there would cost nearly $100K more than in Minneapolis.”
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs don’t vary drastically between the two cities, but some differences are worth noting:
- In Minneapolis, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water and trash service for a 2BR apartment. Costs may be 10-15% lower in Plymouth.
- Winter heating bills will be higher than summer cooling in both locations. Budget an extra $40-80/month for gas or electric heat from November through March.
- Plymouth offers more energy-saving programs and rebates to help cut costs.
🏆 Winner: Plymouth has a slight advantage with lower base utility costs and money-saving incentives.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Andersons can expect to spend around $800-1000 per month on groceries and household essentials for their family of four, regardless of which city they choose. Restaurant prices are also comparable, though Plymouth has a slight edge:
- Dinner out for the family might run $80-100 in Minneapolis vs $70-90 in Plymouth
- A regular coffee is about $0.25 cheaper in Plymouth
🏆 Winner: Plymouth takes this category, but not by a huge margin. Cooking at home is the biggest money-saver in either location.
Taxes and Fees
Relocating households need to factor in property taxes, vehicle registration fees, and other recurring costs that can add up:
- Property taxes on a $500K home would be around $5,500/year in Minneapolis vs $6,200/year in Plymouth
- Vehicle tabs run $50-300 per car in both cities depending on age and value
- Many Plymouth neighborhoods have HOA fees from $200-500/month. Minneapolis has fewer HOAs, and those that exist tend to be cheaper.
🏆 Winner: It’s close, but Minneapolis gets the nod thanks to lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Minneapolis | Plymouth |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $3,000 | $3,600 |
| Utilities | $250 | $225 |
| Groceries & Dining | $1,000 | $950 |
| Transportation | $500 | $600 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $800 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,850 | $6,675 |
Based on these estimates, a household moving from Minneapolis to Plymouth might expect to pay around $825 more per month in basic living costs. Of course, the totals will vary based on lifestyle, family size, and housing choices.
“After looking at these numbers, I think we’d be stretching our budget quite a bit to make the move to Plymouth,” Sarah concludes. “The extra space would be nice, but it might not be worth the added costs at this point.”
Lifestyle Fit: Minneapolis vs Plymouth
Of course, choosing a place to live is about more than just the hard costs. Consider some of the tradeoffs between Minneapolis and Plymouth:
- Minneapolis has more walkable neighborhoods and public transit options. Plymouth is more car-dependent.
- Plymouth offers more square footage for the money, both in apartments and houses.
- Minneapolis has shorter commute times to downtown jobs. Plymouth residents spend an extra 10-20 minutes each way, on average.
- Plymouth is quieter, with less urban bustle and noise.
Ultimately, the Andersons will have to weigh which factors matter most to their family’s lifestyle and wellbeing. An extra bedroom may not make up for a longer commute, for example.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minneapolis more affordable than Plymouth?
For most households, yes. The cost of living in Minneapolis is around 10-15% lower than in Plymouth as of 2025, driven largely by cheaper housing and lower taxes.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Plymouth has the edge on rental costs. A typical 2BR apartment runs about $200 less per month than a comparable unit in Minneapolis.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Minneapolis. The median price for a 3BR house is nearly $100,000 lower in Minneapolis than in Plymouth.
Making Your Minneapolis vs Plymouth Decision
So, which city comes out ahead in the great Minneapolis vs Plymouth debate? The answer depends on your family’s specific needs, preferences and budget. Minneapolis is the winner from a pure cost perspective, while Plymouth offers more space and a quieter suburban lifestyle for a slightly higher price tag.
Families with young children and those who prioritize having a larger home may lean toward Plymouth, while those who favor walkability and more urban amenities may prefer Minneapolis proper. Of course, compromises can be found in both directions.
No matter which part of the metro you choose, be sure to crunch the numbers carefully as you plan your move. Sample Monthly Budgets for Minneapolis in 2025 can give you a head start on estimating your expenses. For a full overview of the cost of living in Minneapolis, check out our 2025 guide.
And if you’re planning to hire movers, read our breakdown of pods vs trucks to decide which option makes the most sense for your situation and budget.