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

Minneapolis

Minnesota

102

Bakersfield

California

104

Minneapolis and Bakersfield have a similar cost of living.

$1,329/mo ↓ 3%

Median Rent

$1,371/mo ↑ 3%

$80,269/yr ↑ 4%

Median Income

$77,397/yr ↓ 4%

$345,600 ≈ Same

Home Value

$347,300 ≈ Same

$1,513/mo ↓ 2%

Owner Costs

$1,540/mo ↑ 2%

426,845

Population

408,366

Tax Comparison

9.85%

Income Tax

13.3%

6.875%

Sales Tax

7.25%

1.11%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

19.9%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,872/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 104 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Bakersfield?

Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $42/month.

Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Bakersfield?

Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $2,872/year higher in Minneapolis.

How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?

Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Minneapolis or Bakersfield?

It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.