Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Minneapolis, MN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$126,000 vs $155,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$113,514 vs $95,679
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$97,754 vs $83,987
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $126,000 | $155,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,000 | $118,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,000 | $200,000▲ | -$37,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,000 | $248,000▲ | -$46,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 5%▲ | +1.7999999999999998% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $113,514▲ | $95,679 | +$17,835 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,507 | $136,059▲ | -$27,552 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,754▲ | $83,987 | +$13,767 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 42,000 | -20,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $29,000 more (median: $126,000 vs $155,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($113,514 vs $95,679 equivalent). Boston, MA has the lower state tax rate (5% vs 6.8%).
4More Software Developer City Comparisons
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.