Is Minneapolis, MN cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Minneapolis, MN is 27.5% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2064 per month.

What salary do I need in Minneapolis, MN to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $125,234.899 in Minneapolis, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Minneapolis, MN?

Housing in Minneapolis, MN is 46.8% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Minneapolis, MN?

Moving from Boston, MA to Minneapolis, MN could save you approximately $2064 per month, or $24765 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Minneapolis, MN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Minneapolis, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.2K in Minneapolis, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,064

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$308K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 430K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Minneapolis, MN

Category	Boston, MA	Minneapolis, MN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,807/mo	↓ $2,469less	46.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $451less	24.6%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$508/mo	↓ $208less	29.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$756/mo	↑ $12.39more	1.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.8%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Difference

$2,469

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.6%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Difference

$451

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 29.0%

Boston, MA

$716

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Difference

$208

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.7%

Boston, MA

$743

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Difference

$12.39

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,240

↓ $1,855

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,400

↓ $1,855

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,700

↓ $2,165

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,250

↓ $2,380

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$3,215

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Minneapolis

$961K

Median Value

$308K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +8.2%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$152K - $469K

Homes in Minneapolis are 68% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Minneapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$244

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Minneapolis, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.