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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Minneapolis is 54% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,329/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 67%
$80,269/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 29%
$345,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 202%
$1,513/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 55%
426,845
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $889/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $10,668/year.

Median household income is $23,509/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Pasadena?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $889/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Pasadena?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $23,509/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Pasadena details →

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