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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Los Angeles, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

30.8% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
64.8% 64.8% more expensive housing
8.9% 8.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 64.8% more
Minneapolis
108
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 8.9% more
Minneapolis
101
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 17.9% more
Minneapolis
106
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 12.0% more
Minneapolis
100
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 10.5% more
Minneapolis
95
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10413630.8% more
Housing10817864.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,50085.2% more
Median Home Price$330,000$880,000166.7% more
Groceries1011108.9% more
Transportation10612517.9% more
Healthcare10011212.0% more
Utilities9510510.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax9.85% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Los Angeles costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis and Los Angeles → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Los Angeles →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 64.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Los Angeles?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Minneapolis vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $550,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while California averages 0.71%.