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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Minneapolis is 70% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,329/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 131%
$80,269/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 127%
$345,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 426%
$1,513/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 99%
426,845
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,736/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $20,832/year.

Median household income is $101,593/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,736/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $101,593/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

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