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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.3K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $214.1K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
71.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,345
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$64.1K
Per year

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

Columbus, GA

Population:207K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$153K

Boston, MA

Population:685K
Cost Index:
171
(71% above avg)
Median Home:$961K

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 207K residents.

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: Columbus, GA vs Boston, MA

Housing
174.3%
Columbus, GA
$1,923
Boston, MA
$5,275
Difference
$3,352
more
Transportation
26.4%
Columbus, GA
$1,448
Boston, MA
$1,830
Difference
$382
more
Other
16.0%
Columbus, GA
$1,574
Boston, MA
$1,825
Difference
$251
more
Healthcare
44.6%
Columbus, GA
$514
Boston, MA
$743
Difference
$229
more
All Utilities
22.4%
Columbus, GA
$585
Boston, MA
$716
Difference
$131
more
Groceries
12.5%
Columbus, GA
$959
Boston, MA
$1,079
Difference
$120
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$3,095
$2,215
1 Bed
From$930
To$3,255
$2,325
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$3,865
$2,780
3 Bed
From$1,435
To$4,630
$3,195
Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850$1,290/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.

$7,003
Monthly in Columbus, GA
$11,469
Monthly in Boston, MA
$4,466
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Boston
$153K
Median Value
$961K
0%
YoY Change
↓ -0.7%
↑ +39.1%
5-Year Change
↑ +7%
$69K - $226K
Price Range
$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 528% more expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$953
Per year
Monthly Difference
$79.38
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Columbus, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

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

Columbus, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

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.

Environment

Columbus
Boston
49 Good
Air Quality
36 Good
52.7%
Good Air Days
79.5%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
94 Moderate
None
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Georgia and Massachusetts on TaxTakeHome.com

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