Is Minneapolis, MN or San Diego, CA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Minneapolis, MN leaves you more: $29,369/yr. On $120,000, Minneapolis, MN leaves $61,311/yr in pocket (state tax $9,420, housing $19,689) vs San Diego, CA's $31,942 (state tax $11,160, housing $47,318).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Minnesota: 7.85% vs California: 9.30%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Minneapolis, MN vs San Diego, CA

Minneapolis, MN vs San Diego, CA: cost of living on $120,000

Minneapolis, MN +$29,369/yr On $120,000, Minneapolis, MN leaves $61,311/yr in pocket vs San Diego, CA's $31,942 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Minneapolis, MN	San Diego, CA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$9,420 (7.85%)	$11,160 (9.30%)
After-tax income	$81,000	$79,260
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$19,689	$47,318
Real money in pocket	$61,311	$31,942

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Minneapolis, MN or San Diego, CA cheaper?: On $120,000, Minneapolis, MN — by $29,369/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Minnesota 7.85% vs California 9.30%) and housing cost.

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