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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Sacramento, CA

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

13.5% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
31.5% 31.5% more expensive housing
3.0% 3.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.5% more
Minneapolis
108
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 3.0% more
Minneapolis
101
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 5.7% more
Minneapolis
106
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% more
Minneapolis
100
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Minneapolis
95
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10411813.5% more
Housing10814231.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$330,000$450,00036.4% more
Groceries1011043.0% more
Transportation1061125.7% more
Healthcare1001088.0% more
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento 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 Sacramento to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Minneapolis to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 31.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while California averages 0.71%.