City comparison
Yes. Nashville's crime index is 282 versus 303 in Minneapolis, and its violent crime index is 309 versus 314, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Minneapolis is cheaper. Median rent is $1,371 a month versus $1,586 in Nashville.
Climate is the sharpest divide between Nashville and Minneapolis. Nashville averages 64°F while Minneapolis averages 55°F, a difference that affects utility bills, outdoor lifestyle, and how you feel nine months of the year. Rent runs $1,586 versus $1,371.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Minneapolis is the easier city on typical rent, but Nashville can still be the better daily fit depending on schools, safety, and climate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
Weather is the one thing you cannot negotiate with. Visit Minneapolis in its coldest stretch before you sign anything.
The move
Nashville and Minneapolis are 697 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,586 a month in Nashville to $1,371 a month in Minneapolis, down $215 a month (14%).
Median household income goes from $77,371 in Nashville to $80,846 in Minneapolis, up $3,475 (4%).
The crime index goes from 282 in Nashville to 303 in Minneapolis, up 21 points (7%).
The move
Minneapolis and Nashville are 697 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,371 a month in Minneapolis to $1,586 a month in Nashville, up $215 a month (16%).
Median household income goes from $80,846 in Minneapolis to $77,371 in Nashville, down $3,475 (4%).
The crime index goes from 303 in Minneapolis to 282 in Nashville, down 21 points (7%).
Nashville, TN
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 Nashville and Minneapolis? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
14% cheaper
Minneapolis rent is 14% cheaper than Nashville
Nashville
$1,586/mo
Minneapolis
Winner$1,371/mo
Typical rent runs $1,371 a month in Minneapolis versus $1,586 in Nashville, so Minneapolis is 14% cheaper. A meaningful but not dramatic gap. Factor it into your budget alongside salary differences between the two markets. Over a year the spread is about $2,580, enough to notice in savings, not enough to ignore schools, safety, or pay. Minneapolis still wins on housing cost; just do not let a 10–20% rent edge override a job that only exists in Nashville.
Planning to buy in Minneapolis? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
4% higher
Minneapolis's median income is 4% higher than Nashville
Nashville
$77,371
Minneapolis
Winner$80,846
Median household income is $80,846 in Minneapolis versus $77,371 in Nashville, so typical pay runs 4% higher in Minneapolis (about $3,475 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
7% lower crime
Nashville's crime index is 7% lower than Minneapolis
Nashville
Winner282 (100 = avg)
Minneapolis
303 (100 = avg)
Nashville's crime index is 282 versus 303 in Minneapolis (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 7% lower in Nashville. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Nashville, 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
35% more comfortable
Nashville weather is 35% more comfortable than Minneapolis
Nashville
Winner64°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 97/100
Minneapolis
55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Nashville averages about 64°F (74°F highs); Minneapolis averages about 55°F (62°F highs). Nashville averages around 64°F. Minneapolis averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Nashville scores 35% 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
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Pick Nashville if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (64°F) beat Minneapolis on this page's weather index by 35%. Minneapolis may pay more or cost less, but Nashville is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Nashville is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 7% lower than Minneapolis (282 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
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Minneapolis is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 14% 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.
Minneapolis is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 4% higher here ($80,846). Start with Minneapolis if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
Weather separates these metros: $1,586/month rent in Nashville at 64°F versus $1,371 in Minneapolis at 55°F. Income runs $77,371 vs $80,846, but the daily feel of the move is the temperature gap.
Safety scores read 28/100 in Nashville and 26/100 in Minneapolis.
Nashville wins on climate (64°F vs 55°F); Minneapolis is the better fit if $1,371 rent and $80,846 pay matter more than daily weather.
Typical rent stays $1,371 in Minneapolis and $1,586 in Nashville.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Minneapolis when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Nashville and Minneapolis, plus other cities in TN and MN.
