Is Boston, MA cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 47.5% more expensive than Dallas, TX. This translates to spending an extra $3564 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $192,772.277 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 120.7% more expensive than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3564 more per month than Dallas, TX, or $42772 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.6K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $192.8K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 47.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,564

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$42.8K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:148

Median Home:$961K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA

Category	Dallas, TX	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,885more	120.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $533more	41.1%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$716/mo	↑ $153more	27.2%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$743/mo	↑ $112more	17.6%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $99.93more	10.2%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 120.7%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,885

🚗Transportation

↑ 41.1%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$533

⚡All Utilities

↑ 27.2%

Dallas, TX

$563

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$153

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.6%

Dallas, TX

$632

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$112

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.2%

Dallas, TX

$979

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$99.93

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$3,095

↑ $1,645

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$3,255

↑ $1,750

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$3,865

↑ $2,100

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$4,630

↑ $2,410

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,832

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Boston

$292K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 229% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.