A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Minneapolis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Washington or Minneapolis?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Minneapolis

Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.

Which city is cheaper, Minneapolis or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $164. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Minneapolis $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Minneapolis $176
Compare Hotels in Washington and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Minneapolis $34
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • Washington, DC: Private Airport Transfer(SUV): To or From: (DCA) Reagan National: $180
  • Washington, DC: Potomac Mills Outlet Private Transfer: $357
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Washington to Newark International Airport (EWR) - Departure Private Transfer: $491
  • Washington to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to New York J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) - Departure Private Transfer: $535
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $392
  • Washington City to New York City - Private Car Transfer: $516
  • Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $168

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Private transfer: Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP): $622
  • Minneapolis to Minneapolis Airport (MSP) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Minneapolis $32
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Historic Northeast Minneapolis Food Tour: $52
  • Private Dining: Mediterranean dinner in Minneapolis with local chef: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $19
    Minneapolis $21

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • "HEROES OF FREEDOM" PRIVATE TOUR (4 Hour Military Tribute): $658
  • "SHINING CITY" PRIVATE TOUR (3 Hour Evening Tour): $658
  • 2 Day Grand Tour with George Washington's Mount Vernon: $95
  • 2-Day Colonial Williamsburg Guided Tour from Washington DC: $330
  • 24/48-Hour Washington, D.C. Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour "DC After Dark" Night-Time Guided Bus Tour with Stops at Top Attractions: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Jeep Tour of Washington D.C.: $495
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Washington DC "Morning Monuments" Guided Sightseeing Walking & Bus Tour: $64
  • 3-Hour Washington, D.C Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $44
  • 30-Minutes Supercar Driving Pilot Experience in Washington DC: $275
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • "Crooked" St. Paul Gangsters Private Riding Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • City of Lakes Tour With An Interpreter In Minneapolis: $179
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (2 hrs): $325
  • Minneapolis & St. Paul Highlights Private Riding & Walking Tour (3 hrs): $425
  • 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Romantic tour in Minneapolis: $498
  • St Paul Minnesota: Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • The Twin Cities St Paul Tour With An Interpreter: $179
  • The best of Minneapolis walking tour: $498
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown & Skyways Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Downtown Parks, Fountains & Sculpture Private Tour (2 hrs): $175
  • Walking Minneapolis Mississippi River, Falls & Historic Mills Private Tour(2hrs): $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Minneapolis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • All Inclusive 3hr Craft Brewery Tour: $82
  • Minneapolis Distillery Tour: $87

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Washington and Minneapolis, 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.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Minneapolis?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Minneapolis. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In the summer, Washington is around the same temperature as Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July are around 79°F (26°C), and Minneapolis is about 76°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Minneapolis. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Washington or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Washington 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, Washington is generally a little warmer than Minneapolis. Temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Minneapolis stays around 52°F (11°C).

In the autumn, Washington often gets more sunshine than Minneapolis. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Washington or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Washington is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The temperature in Washington is usually 35°F (1°C) in January, and Minneapolis stays around 15°F (-10°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Washington or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Washington is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April are around 56°F (14°C), and Minneapolis is about 49°F (10°C).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Washington

Washington Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)


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Washington vs. Minneapolis Travel Comparison

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