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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Minneapolis is 57% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,329/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 106%
$80,269/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 58%
$345,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 201%
$1,513/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 74%
426,845
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,413/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $16,956/year.

Median household income is $46,200/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Cambridge?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,413/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Cambridge?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $46,200/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Massachusetts?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Cambridge details →

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