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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

29.8% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
59.3% 59.3% more expensive housing
8.9% 8.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 59.3% more
Minneapolis
108
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 8.9% more
Minneapolis
101
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 11.3% more
Minneapolis
106
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 15.0% more
Minneapolis
100
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 17.9% more
Minneapolis
95
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10413529.8% more
Housing10817259.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$2,60092.6% more
Median Home Price$330,000$700,000112.1% more
Groceries1011108.9% more
Transportation10611811.3% more
Healthcare10011515.0% more
Utilities9511217.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Boston, MA
State Income Tax9.85% (top)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boston costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Boston51°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Minneapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 59.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Boston?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Minneapolis to Boston?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Minneapolis vs Boston?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $370,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.