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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

San Jose is 149% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$2,617/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 49%
$141,565/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 43%
$1,187,800 ↑ 244%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 71%
$2,775/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 45%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,288/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $15,456/year.

Median household income is $61,296/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is San Jose or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Minneapolis?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $1,288/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $61,296/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Minneapolis details →

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