Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Minneapolis, MN and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$126,000 vs $175,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$113,514 vs $94,086
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$97,754 vs $78,851
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $126,000 | $175,000▲ | -$49,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,000 | $135,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,000 | $225,000▲ | -$62,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,000 | $280,000▲ | -$78,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 186 | -75 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8%▲ | 9.3% | -2.500000000000001% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $113,514▲ | $94,086 | +$19,428 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,507 | $146,662▲ | -$38,155 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,754▲ | $78,851 | +$18,903 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 52,000 | -30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $49,000 more (median: $126,000 vs $175,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 186), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($113,514 vs $94,086 equivalent). Minneapolis, MN has the lower state tax rate (6.8% vs 9.3%).
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.