Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Minneapolis, MN is 25.0% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $1875 per month.

What salary do I need in Minneapolis, MN to live like I do in San Diego, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $127,500 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Diego, CA and Minneapolis, MN?

Housing in Minneapolis, MN is 46.3% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN?

Moving from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN could save you approximately $1875 per month, or $22500 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Diego, CA

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Minneapolis, MN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Minneapolis, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.5K in Minneapolis, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,875

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$308K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 430K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Diego, CA vs Minneapolis, MN

Category	San Diego, CA	Minneapolis, MN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,807/mo	↓ $2,417less	46.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $191less	12.2%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$508/mo	↓ $126less	19.8%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$756/mo	↑ $118more	18.4%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $117less	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.3%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Difference

$2,417

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Difference

$191

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.8%

San Diego, CA

$634

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Difference

$126

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 18.4%

San Diego, CA

$638

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Difference

$118

📦Other

↓ 6.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Difference

$117

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,240

↓ $1,325

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,400

↓ $1,355

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,700

↓ $1,660

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,250

↓ $2,225

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$2,783

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Minneapolis

$980K

Median Value

$308K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +8.2%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$152K - $469K

Homes in Minneapolis are 69% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Minneapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $195

Per year

Monthly Difference

$16.22

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Minneapolis, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

Additional Tax Information

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.