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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

San Diego is 93% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$2,223/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 40%
$104,321/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 23%
$848,500 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 59%
$2,308/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 34%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $24,052/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is San Diego or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Minneapolis?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $24,052/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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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