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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Los Angeles is 83% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,879/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 29%
$80,366/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$80,269/yr ≈ Same
$879,500 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 61%
$2,055/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 26%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $97/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $97/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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