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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Hayward

California
200

Minneapolis is 49% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,329/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 78%
$80,269/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 42%
$345,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 137%
$1,513/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 60%
426,845
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,031/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $12,372/year.

Median household income is $33,506/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Hayward — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Hayward?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,031/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Hayward?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $33,506/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Hayward

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro