Question 1

Is Boston or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis, MN is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,028/month less than in Boston, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,941/mo in Boston versus $1,709/mo in Minneapolis.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Boston vs Minneapolis?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $101,500/year before tax in Boston, MA and $79,000/year in Minneapolis, MN — a difference of about $22,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Boston or Minneapolis cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Minneapolis, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $12,728/month in Boston and $10,983/month in Minneapolis, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Boston or Minneapolis?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Minneapolis costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Boston58	Minneapolis52
Est. monthly cost (single)	$5,216	$4,188
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$12,728	$10,983
Salary for comfort	$101,500/yr	$79,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,941	$1,709
Median home value	$710,400	$345,600
Median household income	$94,755	$80,269
Unemployment	4.2%	4.2%
Housing score	8	60
Jobs score	50	42
Safety score	86	11
Climate score	85	60
Amenities score	70	64
Population	664K	426.8K
Summer high / winter low	81° / 22°	83° / 8°

Boston, MA vs Minneapolis, MN