Massachusetts vs Minnesota Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $890/yr more in Massachusetts

$74/mo · $34/paycheck more

Massachusetts
Minnesota

$57,843/yr in Massachusetts vs $56,952/yr in Minnesota.

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

Minnesota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,190.46

$56,952/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,6406%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,95276%
Tax rates
Effective: 24.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Massachusetts is 59% higher than in Minnesota.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,843 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $91,769 in Minnesota terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $34,817/yr.

Housing
Median home$620,000vs$330,000
Massachusetts
88% more
Minnesota
Avg 2BR rent$3,094/movs$1,128/mo
Massachusetts
174% more
Minnesota
Groceries
Index
Massachusetts
2% more
Minnesota
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.26/gal
Massachusetts
5% more
Minnesota
Utilities
Electric bill$212/movs$109/mo
Massachusetts
94% more
Minnesota
Healthcare
Index
Massachusetts
31% more
Minnesota
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$26,709/yrvs$22,569/yr
Massachusetts
18% more
Minnesota

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

Minnesota: Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Massachusetts take-home Minnesota take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,855 $39,415 + $440
$75,000 $57,843 $56,952 + $890
$100,000 $74,180 $72,840 + $1,340
$150,000 $106,291 $103,568 + $2,723
$200,000 $138,927 $134,446 + $4,481
$300,000 $200,177 $190,846 + $9,331

Positive values mean higher take-home in Massachusetts. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Minnesota?

At a $100,000 salary, Massachusetts results in $1,340 more annual take-home pay. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

How much more do you take home in Massachusetts vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $440/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,723/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $9,331/yr.

Do Massachusetts and Minnesota have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Minnesota?

Minnesota is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Massachusetts is 13% higher than in Minnesota. Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity is 110.8 and Minnesota's is 98.2 (US average = 100).

Is Minnesota cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. Minnesota has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 98.2 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than Minnesota?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Minnesota (index 98.2). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,180 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $83,698 in Minnesota terms. Conversely, $72,840 in Minnesota equals $64,556 in Massachusetts terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

Massachusetts vs Minnesota cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 13% different between Massachusetts and Minnesota. Living costs are 11% above the national average Living costs are about 2% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Massachusetts and Minnesota?

Massachusetts requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Minnesota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · Minnesota Paycheck Estimator · All states