Is Boston, MA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 14.0% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $1052 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $137,380.265 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 31.9% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $1052 per month, or $12620 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.4K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,052

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.6K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$961K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,474less	31.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $328less	15.2%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$743/mo	↑ $190more	34.2%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$716/mo	↑ $158more	28.4%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $93.74more	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 31.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,474

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$328

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 34.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$190

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.4%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$158

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$93.74

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$3,095

↑ $1,185

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$3,255

↑ $1,120

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$3,865

↑ $1,205

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$4,630

↑ $1,260

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,321

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Boston

$885K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 9% more expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.