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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Oakland is 93% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,917/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 31%
$97,369/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 18%
$924,700 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 63%
$2,164/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 30%
438,072
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $17,100/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Oakland or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $17,100/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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