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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Modesto

California
120

Minneapolis is 15% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,329/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 21%
$80,269/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 3%
$345,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 20%
$1,513/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 7%
426,845
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $2,370/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Modesto — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Modesto?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Modesto?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $2,370/year higher in Minneapolis.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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