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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Minneapolis is 39% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,329/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 65%
$80,269/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 27%
$345,600 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 71%
$1,513/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 47%
426,845
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $22,052/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Fairfield?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Fairfield?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $22,052/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Fairfield

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