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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Minneapolis is 67% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,329/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 125%
$80,269/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 116%
$345,600 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 342%
$1,513/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 102%
426,845
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,656/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $19,872/year.

Median household income is $93,401/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,656/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $93,401/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Santa Clara

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville