Quick answer
Minnesota has lower average 1BR rent ($1,380/mo vs $2,600/mo). State income tax: Massachusetts (5%) vs Minnesota (Up to 9.85%) — on a $120K salary that's $5,820/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Massachusetts vs Minnesota
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Massachusetts vs Minnesota at a Glance
| Metric | Massachusetts | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $2,600 | $1,380 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $720K | $320K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Boston ($2,600) | Minneapolis ($1,380) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Boston ($2,600) | Minneapolis ($1,380) |
| State income tax | 5% ✓ | Up to 9.85% |
| Avg walkability | 83/100 ✓ | 69/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Massachusetts (5%).
Salary $80K
$3,880
/year saved in Massachusetts
Salary $120K
$5,820
/year saved in Massachusetts
Salary $200K
$9,700
/year saved in Massachusetts
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Massachusetts (MA)
Tax reality
Massachusetts has a 5% flat state income tax plus a 4% 'millionaire surtax' on income over $1M (passed 2022). Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective statewide, higher in Boston suburbs). No estate tax below $2M; above that, MA estate tax is among the most aggressive in the US.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Housing cost is the big one. Greater Boston is among the most expensive US metros, and it's not just the city — close suburbs are similarly expensive, with the 'cheap' far suburbs still above US median.
- ✕Winters are cold and long. Boston averages 48 inches of snow per year, and coastal storms (nor'easters) can drop 18-24 inches in a single event. Winters last from mid-November through early April.
- ✕Drivers are notoriously aggressive in Boston — narrow roads, confusing intersections, and a local driving culture that surprises newcomers. Rental car insurance rates reflect it.
Minnesota (MN)
Tax reality
Minnesota has a progressive state income tax topping at 9.85% for income over $185K. Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective). No estate tax under $3M. Not a tax-friendly state for high earners, but quality-of-public-services reflects it.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters are the defining drawback. -10°F, -20°F wind chills, 4+ months of snow cover, and limited daylight. December sunset is at 4:30pm. This is not exaggerated.
- ✕State income tax is progressive and tops out at 9.85% — high relative to the Midwest average.
- ✕Summer is short but genuinely lovely — 75-85°F, humid but not oppressive, 15+ hours of daylight. The flip side is it lasts maybe 10 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts or Minnesota cheaper to live in?
Minnesota has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,380/mo vs $2,600/mo in Massachusetts, a $1220/mo difference. Home prices: Minnesota median is $320K vs $720K.
Massachusetts vs Minnesota: which has lower state income tax?
Massachusetts has lower state income tax (5%) vs Up to 9.85% in Minnesota. On an $80K salary that's $3,880/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $9,700/year.
Should I move from Massachusetts to Minnesota?
Massachusetts has a 5% flat state income tax plus a 4% 'millionaire surtax' on income over $1M (passed 2022). Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective statewide, higher in Boston suburbs). No estate tax below $2M; above that, MA estate tax is among the most aggressive in the US.
What are the best cities in Massachusetts vs Minnesota?
Massachusetts's largest metros include Boston. Minnesota's largest metros include Minneapolis. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Massachusetts suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.