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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Minneapolis is 37% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,329/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 49%
$80,269/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 10%
$345,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 90%
$1,513/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 30%
426,845
Population
311,639

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 Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $646/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $7,752/year.

Median household income is $8,085/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $646/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $8,085/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Santa Ana

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul