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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Seattle, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Minneapolis and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Seattle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seattle than Minneapolis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis is known for its shopping. Seattle is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Minneapolis different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Minneapolis and Seattle.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Minneapolis is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Minneapolis is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Seattle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Seattle?

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

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Families?

Minneapolis is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Couples?

Minneapolis and Seattle are both good to visit as a couple.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle Better for Students?

Both Minneapolis and Seattle are superb destinations for students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Minneapolis and Seattle.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Seattle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Minneapolis or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Seattle. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

Families should spend more time in Minneapolis than Seattle. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Minneapolis, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle than Minneapolis 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 Seattle.

One day in Minneapolis or Seattle?

In Minneapolis, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Seattle is a outdoorsy city where you can fill many days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Seattle?

In Minneapolis, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Minneapolis has to offer.

Seattle is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in Minneapolis or Seattle?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The progressive city of Seattle offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Minneapolis or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Minneapolis. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Seattle. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Minneapolis and Seattle, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Seattle, 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 Minneapolis or Seattle?

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 Minneapolis or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the summer, Minneapolis is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Minneapolis is generally cooler than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Seattle. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Seattle. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Seattle. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Minneapolis