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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Minneapolis is 41% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,329/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 57%
$80,269/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 21%
$345,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 98%
$1,513/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 41%
426,845
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $17,141/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $17,141/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Santa Rosa

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga