Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Minneapolis is 5% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $70,982 in Minneapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Minneapolis has a housing index of 112 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Minneapolis costs $310,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Minneapolis versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Minneapolis scores 104 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Minneapolis (105) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Minneapolis is $64,285 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Minneapolis.
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