When opting for a minimalist design the typography is very important. Typography is always important but with a minimalist design the focus is more so on the content then on a graphic heavy design. The font you choose sets the tone of your design.
If you take a look at minimalist WordPress templates you can clearly see how the typography defines the entire design. Just change the font to something like Courier or Garamond and see how it affects the design.
In my opinion sans-serif fonts are better suited for modern minimalist designs. Serif fonts do better with a “literary” inspired design for lack of better word. Designs that aim for a book look. But then again there are no set rules when it comes to design, that is what challenges the creativity. To bend the “rules” and still deliver a good and usable design.
The following fonts are a mix of free and commercial licenses, make sure to read the licenses to know the restrictions.
Milibus Regular
Price: $30 per type
Neubau
Price: $29 per type
Alright Sans
Price: $40 per type
CartoGothic Std
Price: Free
Bebas
Price: Free
Com4t Sans Medium
Price: Free
Houschka Medium
Price: $53 per type
Urbana
Price: $24 per type
Expressway
Price: Free
Nevis
Price: Free
Engel Light Ltd
Price: Free
Sansation
Price: Free
Junction
Price: Free
League Gothic
Price: Free
Mentone
Price: Free