Home Affordability
#8
of 124 cities
≈2.6 yrs to buy 80m²
Current value
MN, United States
How do salaries and expenses in Minneapolis compare to San Francisco?
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Minneapolis compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Community Insights
NewMinneapolis presents a pragmatic value proposition for software engineers: it trades the hyper-growth and prestige of coastal tech hubs for exceptional affordability (Housing Affordability Rank #20) and stability. While the tech scene is anchored by "boring" Fortune 500s rather than sexy startups, the net income allows for a high quality of life. The city is culturally vibrant and incredibly green, but the harsh winters and moderate safety rankings (#97) are significant filters. It is a city that rewards those who prioritize homeownership and outdoor access over maximum career velocity.
Transplants generally feel they stumbled upon a "hidden gem" regarding financial freedom and summer lifestyle, often expressing relief at escaping the "rat race." However, sentiment is mixed regarding social integration, with many noting it takes years to break into local circles. There is a collective resilience regarding winter—it is viewed as a rite of passage that filters out the uncommitted. Long-term residents are defensive but honest about the recent uptick in safety concerns, advising newcomers to research neighborhoods carefully.
Rankings
Home Affordability
#8
of 124 cities
≈2.6 yrs to buy 80m²
Current value
Pollution Score
#20
of 124 cities
28.5/100
Current value (lower is better)
Purchasing Power
#30
of 124 cities
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Minneapolis compared to San Francisco?
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Mid-career professionals looking to start a family or buy a home without sacrificing a city lifestyle. Engineers who value work-life balance (40-hour weeks) over grinding for equity will thrive here. It is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who can embrace winter sports (cross-country skiing, hockey) or those specifically targeting the health-tech or retail-tech sectors.
Junior engineers seeking a rapid-fire startup environment or maximum compensation growth early in their career. Individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder or a strong aversion to cold weather will struggle significantly. Those expecting a 24/7 bustling metropolis or who rely solely on public transit (while decent, it struggles in winter) may find the pace too slow and the sprawl frustrating.
Updated 11/29/2025
0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.
Minneapolis has 0 Luma events listed.
100% fewer events than San Francisco.
Net Income
#35
of 124 cities
$82,810/yr
Current value
Comfortable Weather
#52
of 124 cities
46/100 weather score
Current value
Cost of Living
#81
of 124 cities
57/100
Current value (lower is better)
Tax Rate
#94
of 124 cities
36%
Current value (lower is better)
Safety Index
#97
of 124 cities
44.4/100
Current value
Community Events
#98
of 124 cities
0 events on luma
Current value