City comparison
Yes. Denver's crime index is 271 versus 303 in Minneapolis, and its violent crime index is 272 versus 314, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Minneapolis is cheaper. Median rent is $1,371 a month versus $1,831 in Denver.
The cost gap between Denver and Minneapolis is the real story here. Minneapolis comes in 25% cheaper on typical rent ($1,831 vs $1,371), which over a year adds up to $5,520. Median household income runs $94,718 in Denver and $80,846 in Minneapolis.
Denver is not a close call here. It leads on the job market, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Minneapolis makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Denver is the stronger move.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Minneapolis at $1,371 average has pockets that run $1,171 and others at $1,771: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Denver and Minneapolis are 698 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,831 a month in Denver to $1,371 a month in Minneapolis, down $460 a month (25%).
Median household income goes from $94,718 in Denver to $80,846 in Minneapolis, down $13,872 (15%).
The crime index goes from 271 in Denver to 303 in Minneapolis, up 32 points (12%).
The move
Minneapolis and Denver are 698 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,371 a month in Minneapolis to $1,831 a month in Denver, up $460 a month (34%).
Median household income goes from $80,846 in Minneapolis to $94,718 in Denver, up $13,872 (17%).
The crime index goes from 303 in Minneapolis to 271 in Denver, down 32 points (11%).
Denver, CO
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Minneapolis, MN
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Denver and Minneapolis? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
25% cheaper
Minneapolis rent is 25% cheaper than Denver
Denver
$1,831/mo
Minneapolis
Winner$1,371/mo
Typical rent runs $1,371 a month in Minneapolis versus $1,831 in Denver, so Minneapolis is 25% cheaper. That's roughly $460/month back in your pocket ($5,520/year). Over five years that's $27,600 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Denver, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Minneapolis is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Denver? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
17% higher
Denver's median income is 17% higher than Minneapolis
Denver
Winner$94,718
Minneapolis
$80,846
Median household income is $94,718 in Denver versus $80,846 in Minneapolis, so typical pay runs 17% higher in Denver (about $13,872 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Denver is the stronger labor market on paper. Minneapolis can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
11% lower crime
Denver's crime index is 11% lower than Minneapolis
Denver
Winner271 (100 = avg)
Minneapolis
303 (100 = avg)
Denver's crime index is 271 versus 303 in Minneapolis (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 11% lower in Denver. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Denver, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Minneapolis. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
28% more comfortable
Denver weather is 28% more comfortable than Minneapolis
Denver
Winner62°F avg · 71°F highs · comfort 92/100
Minneapolis
55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Denver averages about 62°F (71°F highs); Minneapolis averages about 55°F (62°F highs). Denver averages around 62°F. Minneapolis averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Denver scores 28% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Minneapolis if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 17% higher ($94,718), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 62°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Denver is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 11% lower than Minneapolis (271 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 25% cheaper here at about $1,371 a month. Choose Minneapolis if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
Denver runs $1,831/month while Minneapolis sits at $1,371 — roughly 25% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Denver-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Minneapolis rent at $1,371/month is still below Denver's $1,831, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $94,718 in Denver versus $80,846 in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is the default on housing cost at $1,371/month versus $1,831 in Denver; Denver stays in play when $94,718 local pay or an existing job offer outweighs the $460 lease gap.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Denver when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Denver and Minneapolis, plus other cities in CO and MN.
