The Twin Cities at a Glance

Here’s what makes Minneapolis and St. Paul top places to call home
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Minneapolis

Photo by Lane Pelovsky, Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

A Storied Past

Minneapolis and St. Paul boast their own unique histories that have shaped the dynamic Twin Cities of today. Once the flour milling capital of the world, Minneapolis earned its “Mill City” nickname when its mills fueled a booming population and played a vital role in feeding the nation—especially during World War I, when locally milled flour supplied millions of residents. Meanwhile, St. Paul thrived as a key hub for transportation, trade, and even Prohibition-era bootlegging. The two cities became more closely connected in 1968 with the completion of an interstate linking them, paving the way for continued growth and transformation into the vibrant metro area locals know and love.

Cost of Living

When choosing a place to call home, cost of living plays a key role in shaping your budget and lifestyle. Fortunately, moving to the Twin Cities comes with a pleasant financial perk—your dollar stretches further here. With a cost of living around 6% below the national average and housing prices roughly 14% lower, the metro provides affordability without sacrificing quality of life. Here’s a closer look at some average costs and everyday expenses to help make your move seamless.

Minneapolis
Housing

  • Median Home Price: $406,011
  • Median Rent: $1,690/month

Utilities

  • Energy: $183.03
  • Phone: $188.39

Transportation

  • Gas: $3.20/gallon
  • Tire Balance: $60.54

Health Care

  • Doctor: $165.24
  • Dentist: $96.59
  • Optometrist: $114.22

Food

  • Loaf of Bread: $3.76
  • Gallon of Milk: $4.64
  • Carton of Eggs: $3.74

St. Paul
Housing

  • Median Home Price: $402,969
  • Median Rent: $1,480/month

Utilities

  • Energy: $178.77
  • Phone: $189.43

Transportation

  • Gas: $3.19/gallon
  • Tire Balance: $61.72

Health Care

  • Doctor: $162.96
  • Dentist: $97.49
  • Optometrist: $110.98

Food

  • Loaf of Bread: $3.71
  • Gallon of Milk: $4.62
  • Carton of Eggs: $3.75

As of March 2025, as reported by RentCafe/The Council for Community and Economic Research

St. Paul

Photo courtesy of Visit St. Paul

Twin Cities Population

Minneapolis estimated population: 423,250
St. Paul estimated population: 301,380
Total metro estimated population: 3.6 million
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI: 16th largest metro in the U.S.
Unemployment rate: 2.5*
Estimated median household income:

  • Minneapolis: $80,269
  • Paul: $73,055

*As of March 2025, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Land of 10,000 Lakes

The name “Minnesota” comes from the Dakota phrase Mni Sota Makoce, meaning “land where the waters reflect the clouds”—a fitting name for a state where lakes and rivers are always within reach. In the Twin Cities, outdoor enthusiasts take full advantage of the water year-round. In Minneapolis, the Chain of Lakes—comprised of Brownie Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Lake Harriet—buzzes with summer activity, from kayaking and paddleboarding to lakeside strolls and beach lounging. When winter arrives, the frozen lakes transform into prime spots for ice skating and fishing. Across the river, St. Paul’s true gem is the Mississippi, with 26 miles of scenic shoreline perfect for hiking, biking, and running with a view.

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