Los Angeles vs Minneapolis: cost of living compared
Minneapolis is 38% cheaper than Los Angeles overall. State income tax tops out around 7.05% in MN vs 9.3% in CA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Los Angeles to Minneapolis represents a substantial shift in overall cost of living. Los Angeles is considerably more expensive across the board, with its overall index significantly higher than the national average. Minneapolis, by contrast, is only slightly above the national average. The most significant factor driving this difference is the cost of housing, which is dramatically higher in Los Angeles.
Housing
Housing costs present the largest contrast. Median home prices in Los Angeles are much higher, and median one-bedroom rents are also substantially greater. While Los Angeles offers a diverse range of housing types, Minneapolis provides more affordable options for both buying and renting, with housing costs actually below the national average. This makes homeownership and renting considerably more accessible in Minneapolis.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary significantly. State income tax is higher in Los Angeles. Transportation, utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are all more expensive in Los Angeles. Food costs are also higher there. Commute times are noticeably longer in Los Angeles, adding to the daily burden. Minneapolis offers relief across these essential spending categories.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Los Angeles offers a warm, dry climate with extensive urban sprawl and a car-dependent culture, though public transit options exist. Minneapolis experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters, and has a more compact urban core with a greater emphasis on walkability and cycling in many areas. The pace of life and population density also feel different between these two metros.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear. A household budget will stretch much further in Minneapolis than in Los Angeles. While Los Angeles offers a unique climate and expansive urban experience, the cost of housing and everyday expenses are substantially greater. Minneapolis provides a more affordable environment for both homeownership and daily living, offering significant savings across most spending categories.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 175 | 108 |
| Housing index | 201 | 94 |
| Transportation index | 129 | 98 |
| Food index | 112 | 102 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 105 |
| Utilities index | 128 | 108 |
| Misc index | 118 | 98 |
| Median home price | $795,000 | $328,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,400/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 34 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Minneapolis home with the True Cost Calculator.