Is Washington, DC cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 2.0% more expensive than Boston, MA. This translates to spending an extra $151 per month.

What salary do I need in Washington, DC to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $151,812.081 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 17.7% more expensive than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Washington, DC?

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $151 more per month than Boston, MA, or $1812 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Boston, MA

Tap to swap

Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $151/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.8K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$151

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Washington, DC

Category	Boston, MA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $936more	17.7%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$508/mo	↓ $208less	29.0%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$632/mo	↓ $112less	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $54.64more	3.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,825/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.7%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$936

⚡All Utilities

↓ 29.0%

Boston, MA

$716

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$208

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

Boston, MA

$743

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$112

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.0%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$54.64

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

same

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$2,150

↓ $945

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$2,215

↓ $1,040

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$2,470

↓ $1,395

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$3,115

↓ $1,515

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$671

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Washington

$961K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 42% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$304

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

Rate difference

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.