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

Should you visit Richmond 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 Richmond and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Richmond

Richmond is a growing, friendly, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

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


Is there more to do in Richmond or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Richmond, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Richmond is popular for its cultural and historical sights. Minneapolis is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America.

How is Richmond different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Richmond
Minneapolis

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Richmond or Minneapolis.

Many visitors head to Richmond specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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 Richmond or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Foodies will find both Richmond and Minneapolis both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Richmond area. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Minneapolis. 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 Richmond or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is the Shopping Better in Richmond or Minneapolis?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond 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 Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.


Is Richmond or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Richmond or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Both Richmond and Minneapolis are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Richmond is a good city for couples to visit. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

Minneapolis is a nice destination for couples. 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 Richmond or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is notable for students. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.


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

Richmond
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is very good for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Richmond or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Richmond
Minneapolis

Richmond and Minneapolis both are good when exploring on foot.

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by car.

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. 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 Richmond Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Richmond?

How long in Richmond or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Richmond or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Richmond, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Richmond 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 Richmond or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Richmond 1-2 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Richmond or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the growing city of Richmond. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Richmond or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Richmond. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Minneapolis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Richmond or Minneapolis?

The growing city of Richmond 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.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Richmond or Minneapolis?

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

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Richmond?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Richmond is $161, 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 Richmond and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Richmond $101
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Richmond $202
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Richmond and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Richmond 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 Richmond


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: Richmond Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Richmond $72
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Richmond

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Richmond:

  • Richmond City to Richmond Airport (RIC) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond city - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Richmond Airport (RIC) to Richmond City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

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: $68
  • 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: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Richmond or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Richmond 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
    Richmond $21
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Richmond

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

  • The Carytown Food Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour in Richmond, VA: $80
  • Church Hill Food Tour: $80
  • Trendy Carytown Food Tour: $80
  • Pizza & Ice Cream Tour: $80
  • Arts District Food Tour in Richmond: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Delicious Pizza & Ice Cream Tour of Richmond: $90

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.
    Richmond $13
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Richmond

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

  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Richmond: $44
  • Church Hill Chillers Ghost Tour: $25
  • Church Hill Segway Tour in Richmond: $80
  • Discover Downtown Richmond Bike Tour: $125
  • Guided Walking Tour of Richmond: $38
  • Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour: $30
  • Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • Historic Trolley Tour: $38
  • Hollywood Cemetery Segway Tour in Richmond: $76
  • Hollywood Cemetery Tour Richmond Lore and Civil War: $24
  • Phantoms of Franklin Ghost Tour: $30
  • Private Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart in Richmond: $165

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking 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
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Richmond -
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Richmond

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Richmond:

  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Richmond Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Drink Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl: $74
  • Richmond Craft Brewery Crawl By Junket: $74
  • Brewery Tour of Richmond, VA: $90

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 Richmond and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. And not only is Richmond much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Richmond would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Richmond 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 Richmond.

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


Which is Bigger, Richmond or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond or Minneapolis in the Summer?

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

In July, Richmond is generally around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 78°F (26°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Richmond. In the summer, Richmond often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Richmond gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Richmond. Richmond usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Richmond gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Richmond 78°F (26°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

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

Richmond is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Richmond averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Richmond, it's very sunny this time of the year. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Richmond gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Richmond usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Richmond gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Richmond 59°F (15°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Minneapolis in the Winter?

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

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Richmond can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Richmond is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Richmond in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Richmond often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Richmond gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Richmond usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Richmond gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Richmond 36°F (2°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Richmond or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Richmond are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In April, Richmond is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Richmond average around 58°F (14°C), 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 Richmond. Richmond usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Richmond gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Richmond usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Richmond gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Richmond 58°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Richmond

Richmond Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 36°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (83 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 71°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 59°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)