Quick answer
Minneapolis costs $720/month less overall ($1,895 vs $2,615/mo). But Long Beach's 9.3% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $440/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs Minneapolis
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Long Beach vs Minneapolis at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $320K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $155 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $360 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $1,895 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 69/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 55/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% ✓ | Up to 9.85% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Minneapolis's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $670/month difference, or $8,040/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Long Beach charges 9.3% state income tax vs Up to 9.85% in Minneapolis. On an $80K salary that's a $440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,820 vs $11,160 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Minneapolis are $320K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $101,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $10 more per month than Minneapolis. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Minneapolis
Extreme four seasons; brutal winters (-30°F wind chills), warm humid summers, stunning fall
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Minneapolis top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Move to Minneapolis if…
- →You're a corporate professionals
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts (winter sports)
- →You're a arts and culture seekers
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Minneapolis is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,895 in Minneapolis vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $720/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Minneapolis?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 69/100. Minneapolis is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Minneapolis: which has lower state income tax?
Long Beach has lower state income tax (9.3%). On an $80K salary, that saves $440/year vs Minneapolis (Up to 9.85%).
Is Long Beach or Minneapolis better for buying a home?
Minneapolis has lower median home prices at $320K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $505,000 difference on the median home.