Is Boston, MA cheaper than Eugene, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 42.8% more expensive than Eugene, OR. This translates to spending an extra $3208 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Eugene, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Eugene, OR, you'd need approximately $188,490.057 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Eugene, OR and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 55.2% more expensive than in Eugene, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,208/month in Eugene, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Eugene, OR to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3208 more per month than Eugene, OR, or $38490 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Eugene, OR vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Eugene, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.2K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $188.5K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 42.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,208

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$38.5K

Per year

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

Eugene, OR

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$470K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

143

(43% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Eugene, OR

The Beaver State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 178K 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: Eugene, OR vs Boston, MA

Category	Eugene, OR	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,399/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $1,877more	55.2%
Transportation	$1,382/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $449more	32.5%
All Utilities	$426/mo	$716/mo	↑ $290more	68.1%
Other	$1,546/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $279more	18.1%
Healthcare	$594/mo	$743/mo	↑ $149more	25.2%
Groceries	$958/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $121more	12.7%

Housing

↑ 55.2%

Eugene, OR

$3,399

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,877

Transportation

↑ 32.5%

Eugene, OR

$1,382

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$449

All Utilities

↑ 68.1%

Eugene, OR

$426

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$290

Other

↑ 18.1%

Eugene, OR

$1,546

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$279

Healthcare

↑ 25.2%

Eugene, OR

$594

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$149

Groceries

↑ 12.7%

Eugene, OR

$958

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$121

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Eugene, OR: Lane Transit District Payroll Tax$315/yr (0.2%)

Boston, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$873

To$3,095

↑ $2,222

1 Bed

From$921

To$3,255

↑ $2,334

2 Bed

From$1,208

To$3,865

↑ $2,657

3 Bed

From$1,682

To$4,630

↑ $2,948

Eugene, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$1,380/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.

$8,304

Monthly in Eugene, OR

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,165

Difference

Home Values

Eugene

Boston

$470K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +27.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$391K - $592K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 104% more expensive than Eugene

Calculate payment - Eugene Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$668

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.3%

Rate difference

Eugene, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Eugene, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

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.