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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs San Diego, CA

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

26.9% San Diego, CA is more expensive overall
55.6% 55.6% more expensive housing
6.9% 6.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 55.6% more
Minneapolis
108
San Diego
168
🛒 Groceries 6.9% more
Minneapolis
101
San Diego
108
🚗 Transportation 11.3% more
Minneapolis
106
San Diego
118
🏥 Healthcare 12.0% more
Minneapolis
100
San Diego
112
⚡ Utilities 9.5% more
Minneapolis
95
San Diego
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN San Diego, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10413226.9% more
Housing10816855.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,30070.4% more
Median Home Price$330,000$820,000148.5% more
Groceries1011086.9% more
Transportation10611811.3% more
Healthcare10011212.0% more
Utilities951049.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN San Diego, 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
San Diego, CA
$89,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: San Diego 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 San Diego to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs San Diego (132). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
San Diego4.0%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
San Diego2.9%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
San Diego25 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
San Diego51
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
San Diego45
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
San Diego64°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
San Diego1,381,611

Moving from Minneapolis to San Diego?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or San Diego cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 55.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs San Diego?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $2,300/month in San Diego — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or San Diego?+
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 San Diego?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $89,000 in San Diego. 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 San Diego?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $820,000 in San Diego — a difference of $490,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while California averages 0.71%.