Is Boston, MA cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 11.3% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $848 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $139,821.429 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 31.0% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Boston, MA?

Moving from New York, NY to Boston, MA could save you approximately $848 per month, or $10179 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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New York, NY

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $848/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.8K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$848

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.2K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$961K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Boston, MA

Category	New York, NY	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,373less	31.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $228more	14.2%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $209less	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$716/mo	↑ $116more	19.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$743/mo	↑ $55.76more	8.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 31.0%

New York, NY

$7,648

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,373

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.2%

New York, NY

$1,602

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$228

📦Other

↓ 10.3%

New York, NY

$2,034

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$209

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

New York, NY

$600

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$116

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

New York, NY

$1,165

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.1%

New York, NY

$688

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$55.76

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$3,095

↓ $25.00

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$3,255

↓ $15.00

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$3,865

↑ $275

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$4,630

↑ $130

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,268

Difference

Home Values

New York

Boston

$1.05M

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 9% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$170

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.