Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Fresno and Minneapolis have a similar cost of living.

$1,324/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ≈ Same
$66,804/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↑ 20%
$348,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$345,600 ≈ Same
$1,391/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 9%
543,615
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,465/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Minneapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Fresno or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $13,465/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Minneapolis details →

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