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Relocation Guide

Moving from Boston to Minneapolis

Both are university-and-health-care metros with real winters. The big differences are what a home costs, how cold January feels, and how you get around. Here is the honest picture.

State Income Tax
5.35% to 9.85%
Minnesota vs.
5% flat (9% above $1,083,150)
Property Tax (effective, 2024)
1.00%
Minnesota vs.
1.00%
Median Home Value (county, 2024)
$392,900
Minnesota vs.
$705,800
Avg Annual Snowfall
51.2 in
Minnesota vs.
49.2 in
The Real Comparison

Boston vs. the Twin Cities, Without the Hype

Snowfall is similar. Cold is not.

Boston averages about 49 inches of snow a year and the Twin Cities about 51, according to NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals. The difference is temperature. The average January low at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is about 9°F, compared with about 23°F at Boston Logan. Snow stays on the ground longer here, and cold snaps are a bigger part of the winter routine.

CategoryBoston areaMinnesota (Twin Cities)Advantage
State income tax5% flat; 9% on income above $1,083,1505.35% to 9.85%, graduatedDepends on income
Effective property tax rate (2024)1.00%1.00%~ About equal
Median home value (county, 2024)$705,800 (Suffolk County)$392,900 (Hennepin County)✓ Minnesota
January avg high / low36.8°F / 23.1°F23.6°F / 8.8°F✓ Boston
Average annual snowfall49.2 in51.2 in~ About equal
July avg high82.1°F83.4°F~ About equal

Sources: Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets (as of January 1, 2026); Tax Foundation, Property Taxes by State and County (effective rates for 2024, from Census ACS data); U.S. Census Bureau 2024 American Community Survey 5-year county median housing values; NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals. County values are not metro averages, and your actual bill or price depends on the city, school district and home.

Lifestyle Comparison

What Boston-Area Buyers Weigh When They Look at Minnesota

What Often Stands Out

Housing dollars go further. Hennepin County's median home value sits well below Suffolk County's, and in the suburbs the same budget often means more space, a yard and a garage.
Lake life replaces coast life. Minneapolis has a chain of city lakes, and lake towns like Excelsior and White Bear Lake put you on the water for weekends.
Walkable village centers exist. Edina's 50th and France, Hopkins' Mainstreet and downtown Stillwater give you a main street feel without living in the city.
A real airport hub for visiting home. Minneapolis-St. Paul is a major Delta hub, and Delta and Sun Country list nonstop service from Boston.

Real Trade-offs

Winters are colder. January lows average in the single digits, compared with the low 20s in Boston. Good gear and a plan for the car matter. See our winter guide.
Most suburbs are built around driving. Light rail and buses serve Minneapolis and St. Paul, but outside the core most households run on cars.
Do not expect a property tax windfall. Effective rates were about the same in 2024 at roughly 1.00% in both states. The savings come from the home price, not the tax rate.
There is no ocean. The outdoors here means lakes, rivers, trails and four distinct seasons.
Where to Look

Twin Cities Suburbs Boston-Area Buyers Often Shortlist

If you are used to walkable centers, older homes and a real downtown nearby, start with these guides.

Edina
Walkable Village Center
Upscale, walkable around 50th and France, with established neighborhoods and a short drive to Minneapolis. Median about $799,000, about 12 min to Minneapolis. Read the Edina guide.
St. Louis Park
Urban-Feel Suburb
Borders Minneapolis, with a thriving dining scene and light rail coming. Median about $410,000, about 12 min to Minneapolis. Read the St. Louis Park guide.
Hopkins
Mainstreet Walkability
An arts-forward, walkable Mainstreet with independent restaurants and a live music venue. Median about $390,000, about 15 min to Minneapolis. Read the Hopkins guide.
Stillwater
Historic Rivertown
A historic downtown on the St. Croix River with a boutique feel. Median about $480,000, about 38 min to Minneapolis. Read the Stillwater guide.
Excelsior
Lakeside Village
A walkable village on Lake Minnetonka with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Median about $555,000, about 28 min to Minneapolis. Read the Excelsior guide.
Shoreview
Established and Lake-Rich
A well-kept, established suburb with lakes, trails and a community center. Median about $420,000, about 22 min to Minneapolis. Read the Shoreview guide.
Browse All 45 City Guides Take the Suburb Quiz Full Cost Comparison Compare School Districts
Common Questions

FAQ: Moving from Boston to Minnesota

Is Minnesota colder than Massachusetts? +
Yes. The average January low is about 9°F at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport and about 23°F at Boston Logan, based on NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals. Snowfall is similar, around 51 inches a year here and 49 in Boston, but the cold lasts longer. Many newcomers adapt within a season or two once the car and wardrobe are set up.
How do Minnesota taxes compare with Massachusetts? +
Massachusetts taxes income at a flat 5%, with 9% on income above $1,083,150. Minnesota uses brackets from 5.35% to 9.85%, with the top rate starting at $203,150 for single filers. Effective property tax rates were about equal in 2024 at roughly 1.00%. A tax professional can model your exact situation.
Can I buy a home in the Twin Cities before I move? +
Yes. Many buyers purchase from out of state using video tours, inspections and a local agent. Our guide on buying a Minnesota home without visiting walks through the process.
How easy is it to fly home to see family? +
Minneapolis-St. Paul is a major Delta hub, and Delta and Sun Country list nonstop flights between Boston and MSP. Check current schedules before you plan around a specific route.

Sources: Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets (as of January 1, 2026); Tax Foundation, Property Taxes by State and County (effective rates for 2024, from Census ACS data); U.S. Census Bureau 2024 American Community Survey 5-year county median housing values; NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals. County values are not metro averages, and your actual bill or price depends on the city, school district and home.

City Guides

City Guides to Explore Next

Once you know the numbers work, these city guides show where your budget goes furthest.

Eden PrairieTop-tier schools, outdoor paradise, corporate HQ hubMedian $470,000 · about 22 min to Minneapolis EdinaUpscale, walkable 50th & France, established neighborhoodsMedian $799,000 · about 12 min to Minneapolis LakevilleTop schools, active recreation programming, fast-growing new constructionMedian $500,000 · about 35 min to Minneapolis WoodburyMaster-planned, extensive amenities, newer constructionMedian $450,000 · about 28 min to Minneapolis EaganCorporate hub, major employers, close to MSP airportMedian $380,000 · about 20-30 min to Minneapolis Maple GrovePremier NW suburb, extensive amenities, master-planned neighborhoodsMedian $450,000 · about 25 min to Minneapolis PlymouthLargest suburb, excellent schools, complete communityMedian $490,000 · about 18-30 min to Minneapolis MinnetonkaUpscale, top schools, Lake Minnetonka accessMedian $490,000 · about 20 min to Minneapolis

Browse all 45 city guides by area · Best suburbs of Minneapolis

Moving from a specific city? See our guides for Boston, Chicago and Houston.

Thinking About Moving from Boston to Minneapolis?

Let's work through the numbers for your income, budget and priorities. I will give you an honest assessment, including when it makes sense and when it does not.

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