Boston vs Minneapolis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $40,160 in Minneapolis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Boston feels like $40,160 in Minneapolis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 43%.
Boston
Minneapolis
Your details stay on your device. Sharing generates an image only.
Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Boston, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.
No city is objectively better. Boston and Minneapolis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
Related comparisons
Boston vs Minneapolis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Boston or Minneapolis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,476/mo in Boston and $1,405/mo in Minneapolis. Minneapolis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Minneapolis to match Boston?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $40,160 in Minneapolis — a reduction of about 43% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Boston and Minneapolis?
Boston is in MA (MA levies income tax) and Minneapolis is in MN (MN levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.