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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Riverside

California
144

Minneapolis is 29% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,329/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 36%
$80,269/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 10%
$345,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 57%
$1,513/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 24%
426,845
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $8,306/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Riverside — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Riverside?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Riverside?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $8,306/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Riverside

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati