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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Irvine

California
256

Minneapolis is 60% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,329/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 118%
$80,269/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 62%
$345,600 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 223%
$1,513/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 92%
426,845
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,564/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $18,768/year.

Median household income is $49,378/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Irvine — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Irvine?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,564/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Irvine?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $49,378/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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