Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Minneapolis is 17% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $62,109 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Minneapolis costs $310,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Minneapolis versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Minneapolis scores 104 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Minneapolis (105) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Minneapolis is $64,285 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Minneapolis.
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