Is Boston, MA cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 44.7% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $3350 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $190,194.175 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 82.9% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3350 more per month than Austin, TX, or $40194 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,350

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:145

Median Home:$961K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA

Category	Austin, TX	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,391more	82.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $546more	42.6%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$716/mo	↑ $175more	32.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$743/mo	↑ $155more	26.3%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $83.70more	4.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 82.9%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,391

🚗Transportation

↑ 42.6%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$546

⚡All Utilities

↑ 32.3%

Austin, TX

$541

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$175

🏥Healthcare

↑ 26.3%

Austin, TX

$589

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$155

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Austin, TX

$959

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$120

📦Other

↑ 4.8%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$83.70

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$3,095

↑ $1,510

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$3,255

↑ $1,570

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$3,865

↑ $1,870

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$4,630

↑ $2,105

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,471

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Boston

$558K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 72% more expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.