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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Minneapolis is 55% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,329/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 80%
$80,269/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 37%
$345,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 205%
$1,513/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 63%
426,845
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,066/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $12,792/year.

Median household income is $29,804/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,066/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $29,804/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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