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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Minneapolis is 59% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,329/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 60%
$80,269/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 35%
$345,600 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 291%
$1,513/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 55%
426,845
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $28,289/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Berkeley?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Berkeley?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $28,289/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Berkeley details →

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