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

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

42.3% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
94.4% 94.4% more expensive housing
13.9% 13.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 94.4% more
Minneapolis
108
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 13.9% more
Minneapolis
101
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 20.8% more
Minneapolis
106
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 18.0% more
Minneapolis
100
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 13.7% more
Minneapolis
95
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10414842.3% more
Housing10821094.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$3,000122.2% more
Median Home Price$330,000$1,250,000278.8% more
Groceries10111513.9% more
Transportation10612820.8% more
Healthcare10011818.0% more
Utilities9510813.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 94.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $1,650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or San Francisco?+
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 Francisco?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. 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 Francisco?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $920,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while California averages 0.71%.