Is Boston, MA cheaper than Glendale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 8.0% cheaper than Glendale, CA. This translates to saving $596 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Glendale, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Glendale, CA, you'd need approximately $142,843.67 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Glendale, CA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 19.0% cheaper than in Glendale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,418/month in Glendale, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Glendale, CA to Boston, MA?

Moving from Glendale, CA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $596 per month, or $7156 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Glendale, CA 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 Glendale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $596/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.8K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$596

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.2K

Per year

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

Glendale, CA

Population:187K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.15M

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Glendale, CA

The Golden State

187K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 187K 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: Glendale, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Glendale, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,515/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $1,239less	19.0%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$743/mo	↑ $208more	38.9%
Other	$1,617/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $208more	12.9%
Transportation	$2,016/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $186less	9.2%
All Utilities	$539/mo	$716/mo	↑ $177more	32.9%
Groceries	$1,005/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $73.86more	7.3%

Housing

↓ 19.0%

Glendale, CA

$6,515

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,239

less

Healthcare

↑ 38.9%

Glendale, CA

$535

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$208

Other

↑ 12.9%

Glendale, CA

$1,617

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$208

Transportation

↓ 9.2%

Glendale, CA

$2,016

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$186

less

All Utilities

↑ 32.9%

Glendale, CA

$539

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$177

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Glendale, CA

$1,005

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$73.86

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,731

To$3,095

↑ $1,364

1 Bed

From$1,941

To$3,255

↑ $1,314

2 Bed

From$2,418

To$3,865

↑ $1,447

3 Bed

From$3,065

To$4,630

↑ $1,565

Glendale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,220–$2,550/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.

$12,227

Monthly in Glendale, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$758

Difference

Home Values

Glendale

Boston

$1.15M

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +29.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$760K - $1.69M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 17% less expensive than Glendale

Calculate payment - Glendale Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Glendale, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Glendale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.