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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

San Francisco is 162% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$2,419/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 45%
$141,446/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 43%
$1,380,500 ↑ 299%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 75%
$2,620/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 42%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,090/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $13,080/year.

Median household income is $61,177/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is San Francisco or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Minneapolis?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $1,090/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $61,177/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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