Minneapolis is a dynamic city known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Minneapolis that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Minneapolis?
You should plan to spend around $235 per day on your vacation in Minneapolis. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $70 on meals
- $43 on local transportation
- $220 on hotels
A one week trip to Minneapolis for two people costs, on average, $3,290. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,645
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,290
-
One Month
Per person
$7,050
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,290
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,580
-
One Month
For a couple
$14,100
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Minneapolis cost?
A one week trip to Minneapolis usually costs around $1,645 for one person and $3,290 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Minneapolis on average costs around $3,290 for one person and $6,580 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Minneapolis will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Minneapolis on average costs around $7,050 for one person and $14,100 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Minneapolis expensive to visit?
Minneapolis is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Minneapolis can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $96 per day, mid-range travelers spend $235 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $545 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Minneapolis.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Minneapolis is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to San Diego or Bangor.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Minneapolis Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Minneapolis?
The average Minneapolis trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Minneapolis travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Minneapolis cost?
Minneapolis on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$45
|
$110
|
$257
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$19
|
$43
|
$82
|
|
Food 2
|
$29
|
$70
|
$159
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
|
$27
|
$59
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-16
|
$12-36
|
$23-70
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Minneapolis, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $96 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Minneapolis, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Minneapolis will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $235 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Minneapolis. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Loews Hotel Minneapolis is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Graduate Minneapolis is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Minneapolis here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $545. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Walking F. Scott Fitzgerald's St. Paul Life & Homes Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Minneapolis
Hotel prices in Minneapolis can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $169, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $315. Budget accommodations range from $135 to $435, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Minneapolis for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $220. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $110 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Minneapolis include:
- Hewing Hotel starting at $244
- Loews Hotel Minneapolis starting at $203
- Elliot Park Hotel Autograph Collection starting at $194
- InterContinental Minneapolis - St Paul Airport starting at $189
- Graduate Minneapolis starting at $138
The great public transit system in Minneapolis gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
If you're headed to Minneapolis with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
Minneapolis is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $43 per person, per day, on local transportation in Minneapolis. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Minneapolis is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$43
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP for $88 details
- Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP for $88 details
- Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer for $68 details
How much does it cost to go to Minneapolis? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Minneapolis will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Minneapolis
The food scene in Minneapolis is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Minneapolis can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Minneapolis is $70 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Minneapolis is around $70 ($70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $159. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Minneapolis are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $21
- Lunch: $10 to $28
- Dinner: $21 to $49
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Like any major city, Minneapolis cuisine reflects a diverse array of ethnic influences. While comfort foods like hearty soups, stews, and meat and potato dishes are popular with Minnesota natives, this and more can be found in the city areas. American restaurants range from your typical fast food and small diners to sports bars, steakhouses, pizzerias, and farm-to-table eateries. There are also restaurants with eastern European influence as well as authentic French, Irish, Italian, Russian, and Asian cuisine. In 2012, Food & Wine magazine named Minneapolis the nation's best and best-priced new food city, and it 2015 it named Spoon and Stable (trendy, French-inspired hangout) one of five 2015 Restaurants of the Year.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Minneapolis
It's understandable that travelers choose Minneapolis, as it is famous for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Minneapolis typically cost an average of $27 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
Minneapolis is a city of nature meets skyscrapers - the skyline tall and glimmering with parks dotted throughout and beautiful bridges stretching across the Mississippi River. The architecture is also varied, melding with the culture and art of the city. For example, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts presents a model of Romanesque architecture with a large collection of historic cultural works within, while the Frederick R Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota stands out as a shapeless stainless steel structure containing more contemporary works from the 20th Century to the present.
A walk through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers an outdoor art experience, displaying sculptures of the Walker Art Center in an 11-acre urban green space, the most famous being Claes Oldenburg's "Spoonbridge and Cherry." There are many parks and green areas throughout Minneapolis, offering a natural escape from the urban side of things. A day exploring the city might bring you past some historic structures like train stations, towers, and warehouses, or lead you down to the Mississippi River, where you can walk along one of the bridges and maybe catch a glimpse of the St. Anthony Falls, or Mill City Museum with the Gold Medal Flour sign glowing neon from above. With so much to see and do, you can spend several days here any time of the year. For more inspiration, check out this list of things to do in Minneapolis.
The city of Minneapolis has so many opportunities to experience the arts. Visitors often frequent the many galleries and museums mentioned earlier, attend sporting events at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome or the Target Center (ball park of the Minnesota Twins), or see shows in the historic theaters of the Hennepin Theatre District. The Guthrie Theater, right on the Mississippi in Downtown East, also holds classic and contemporary productions, remaining true to its commitment to offer productions of Shakespeare's plays as well.
On the nature side of things, Minnehaha Park is located to the southeast of the city along the banks of the Mississippi. The 193 acre park is one of the oldest and most popular in the city and is home to the 55-foot high Minnehaha Falls, as well as statues of Hiawatha and Minnehaha, the chief characters in Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha." Lake Harriet is another natural attraction of the city, covering an area of 335 acres plus surrounding park area. Bike and boat rentals are available in the park, with activities ranging from sailing, beaches, and fishing to a system of bike and pedestrian trails. If that isn't enough, you can visit Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes-four of the largest lakes in Minneapolis lined with 13 miles of paved shoreline paths.
Just south of Minneapolis, there is also the Mall of America in Bloomington. It is the largest mall in the United States with an indoor amusement park, more than 500 stores, an aquarium, a movie theater, wedding chapel, and plenty of dining options. All in all it covers 4.2 million square feet and even has its own zip code.
Museums and Attractions:
Minneapolis is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. 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.
Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Minneapolis is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour for $120 details
- The Complete St. Paul Walking Tour for $120 details
- Minneapolis Skyway Walking Tour for $79 details
Nightlife Budget in Minneapolis
The nightlife in Minneapolis is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $24 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Minneapolis per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$24
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Minneapolis. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour for $95 details
- Highest Rated 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour in Minneapolis for $100 details
- History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour for $99 details
Traveling in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnasota
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.
Being abundantly rich in water, with twenty lakes and wetlands, the Mississippi River, creeks, and waterfalls, Minneapolis is also a hub for parks and outdoor activities. Though Saint Paul is Minnesota's Capital, Minneapolis is its largest city, rich in industry, entertainment, culture, and natural beauty.
Neighborhoods & Around
Downtown Minneapolis is a hub of activity for visitors and residents alike. It is divided into Downtown West with skyscrapers, Nicollet Mall, and the Warehouse district, and Downtown East with the historic mill district, the Metrodome, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings. The general area, located just south of the Mississippi River, is home to most of the city's skyscrapers and major attractions. It is the place where the Fortune 500 companies operate, as well as the theater and arts district, shopping hub, sporting events, restaurants, and nightlife. Other major attractions near the downtown neighborhood area include the Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden, the Weisman Art Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Children's Theater Company, and the Minneapolis Convention Center.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.