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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Minneapolis and Worcester have a similar cost of living.

$1,329/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 6%
$80,269/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 16%
$345,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 2%
$1,513/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ≈ Same
426,845
Population
205,501

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $12,725/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Worcester — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Worcester?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Worcester?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $12,725/year higher in Minneapolis.
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 Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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