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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Minneapolis is 26% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,329/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 39%
$80,269/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 5%
$345,600 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 38%
$1,513/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 18%
426,845
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $4,348/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $4,348/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Santa Maria

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton