Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Boston is 73% more expensive than Minneapolis.

$2,093/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↓ 37%
$94,755/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↓ 15%
$710,400 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$345,600 ↓ 51%
$2,176/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↓ 30%
663,972
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $764/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $9,168/year.

Median household income is $14,486/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Boston or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $764/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $14,486/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Minnesota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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