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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Sacramento is 29% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$1,694/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 22%
$83,753/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 4%
$484,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 29%
$1,752/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 14%
524,802
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $3,484/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Sacramento or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $3,484/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
View Sacramento details → View Minneapolis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Minneapolis

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita