Moving from Boston to Minneapolis (2026)
Minneapolis has a COL index of 106 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 35% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Minneapolis to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 35% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,173 |
| $50K | $32,716 |
| $60K | $39,259 |
| $75K | $49,074 |
| $80K | $52,346 |
| $100K | $65,432 |
| $120K | $78,519 |
| $150K | $98,148 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Minneapolis
| Expense | Boston | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $418 | $391 |
| Transport | $90 | $95 |
| Utilities | $185 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $1,676 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,317 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Boston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Minneapolis cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 106 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 35% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Minneapolis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Minneapolis saves roughly $994/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,928/year.
What salary do I need in Minneapolis to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $49,074/year in Minneapolis. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only