A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Dallas vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dallas or Minneapolis?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dallas and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a upscale, chic, and active city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dallas and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Dallas or Minneapolis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Minneapolis than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Minneapolis, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is better known for its shopping, while Dallas is more popular for its food. Minneapolis is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America. Dallas is well known for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Dallas different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Minneapolis and Dallas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dallas or Minneapolis?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Dallas and Minneapolis.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Dallas or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Dallas is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Dallas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Dallas or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Both Dallas and Minneapolis are excellent when it comes to partying.

Dallas offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Minneapolis?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.


Is Dallas or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Dallas
Minneapolis

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or Minneapolis.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Minneapolis. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Dallas or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Dallas is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Dallas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Dallas or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.


Is Dallas or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Both Dallas and Minneapolis offer notable public transit options.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Is Dallas or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Dallas
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

For even more information, also check out Is Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Dallas or Minneapolis. In our opinion, Minneapolis has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Minneapolis than Dallas. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Dallas than Minneapolis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dallas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Dallas if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Minneapolis.


  • How many days in Dallas or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dallas 2-4 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Dallas or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the upscale city of Dallas. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Dallas or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the chic destination of Dallas. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Minneapolis?

The upscale city of Dallas offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Dallas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dallas is $141, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dallas and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dallas $84
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dallas $168
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Dallas and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Dallas or Minneapolis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dallas


Hotels in Minneapolis


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dallas Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dallas $28
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Transfer private car from Dallas Airport (DAL) - City Center: $71
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DAL) - Dallas City Center: $181
  • Private Transfer from Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $127
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $105
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Private Transfer Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Airport DFW Luxury Vehicle: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dallas to Dallas Airport DFW in Luxury SUV: $127

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Dallas or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Dallas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dallas $35
    Minneapolis $40
Typical Food Prices in Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dallas.

  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dallas $13
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Dallas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dallas are as follows:

  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $249
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 2hr Dallas Mural tour on Talking E-Bike - Ride it yourself : $60
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Create Your Own Dallas and Fort Worth Combination Tour: $146
  • Dallas Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $114
  • Dallas Stars Ice Hockey Game Ticket at American Airlines Center: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Minneapolis by Wacky Walks: $10
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dallas $12
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dallas and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Dallas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dallas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dallas and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis than you might in Dallas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dallas Expensive? and Is Minneapolis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dallas or Minneapolis?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Dallas and Minneapolis, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dallas or Minneapolis?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dallas or Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Dallas during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dallas is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 88°F (31°C) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dallas. In the summer, Dallas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Dallas gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets less rain in July than Minneapolis. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dallas 88°F (31°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dallas is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dallas in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dallas usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Dallas gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dallas usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dallas 69°F (21°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. In January, Dallas is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 46°F (8°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Dallas often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Dallas gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Dallas usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dallas 46°F (8°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Dallas or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

Dallas is much warmer than Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Minneapolis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. Dallas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis during spring. Dallas gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dallas usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dallas 68°F (20°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Dallas

Dallas Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)