Data Scientist Salary in Minneapolis-St. Paul vs. Sacramento
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota and Sacramento, California.
Moving from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Sacramento
To maintain your current standard of living in Minneapolis-St. Paul ($152,000), you will need a salary of at least $175,900 in Sacramento due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 32% more expensive in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,450/mo in Minneapolis-St. Paul).
- Taxes: Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 6.8% in Minneapolis-St. Paul), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $154,500 in Sacramento provides an estimated 15.1% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $152,000 in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
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Median for Data Scientist in Minneapolis-St. Paul: $152,000
+15.7% ($23,900 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $21,400 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Minneapolis-St. Paul vs. Sacramento
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Minneapolis-St. Paul Base | Sacramento Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $93,500 | $95,000 | +2% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $121,000 | $123,000 | +2% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $152,000 | $154,500 | +1.6% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $192,500 | $196,000 | +2% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $240,000 | $244,000 | +2% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN)State Tax: 6.8%
Sacramento (CA)State Tax: 9.3%
* Note: Tax estimations are based on standard single filer brackets and effective statutory rates. Actual tax obligations depend on filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and local municipal withholdings.
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Boasts the highest Fortune 500 concentration per capita (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth) and top-tier public school systems.
Sacramento, California
An increasingly popular Northern California destination for remote tech workers seeking more affordable housing within driving distance of Silicon Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Minneapolis-St. Paul vs. Sacramento)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Minneapolis-St. Paul vs. Sacramento?
In Minneapolis-St. Paul, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $152,000 per year (range: $121,000 - $192,500). In Sacramento, the median salary is $154,500 per year (range: $123,000 - $196,000), representing a +1.6% compensation difference.
What salary in Sacramento equals a $152,000 salary in Minneapolis-St. Paul?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $152,000 salary in Minneapolis-St. Paul, you would need to earn approximately $175,900 in Sacramento, due to the 15.7% higher cost of living in Sacramento.
Is it more expensive to live in Minneapolis-St. Paul or Sacramento?
Sacramento is more expensive overall. Sacramento has a Cost of Living Index of 125 compared to 108 for Minneapolis-St. Paul. Housing is 32% more expensive in Sacramento (median 1-bed: $1,750/mo vs $1,450/mo in Minneapolis-St. Paul).
How do state income taxes compare between Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN) and Sacramento (CA)?
Sacramento has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 6.8% in Minneapolis-St. Paul), reducing your net take-home pay. Minneapolis-St. Paul has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 6.8%, while Sacramento has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Minneapolis-St. Paul vs. Sacramento?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Minneapolis-St. Paul is approximately $1,450/month, compared to $1,750/month in Sacramento.
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