Is Boston, MA cheaper than Oakland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 25.9% cheaper than Oakland, CA. This translates to saving $1940 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Oakland, CA, you'd need approximately $126,716.418 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 45.4% cheaper than in Oakland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,420/month in Oakland, CA.

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

Moving from Oakland, CA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $1940 per month, or $23284 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.7K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,940

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.3K

Per year

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

Oakland, CA

Population:441K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$575K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(26% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Oakland, CA

The Golden State

441K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 441K 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: Oakland, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Oakland, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $4,392less	45.4%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $423more	30.1%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$716/mo	↑ $251more	54.1%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.4%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$743/mo	↑ $37.17more	5.3%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,825/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 45.4%

Oakland, CA

$9,667

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$4,392

less

Transportation

↑ 30.1%

Oakland, CA

$1,407

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$423

All Utilities

↑ 54.1%

Oakland, CA

$464

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$251

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Oakland, CA

$1,129

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.3%

Oakland, CA

$706

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$37.17

Other

→ 0.0%

Oakland, CA

$1,825

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,770

To$3,095

↑ $1,325

1 Bed

From$1,990

To$3,255

↑ $1,265

2 Bed

From$2,420

To$3,865

↑ $1,445

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$4,630

↑ $1,540

Oakland, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,990–$2,510/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.

$15,199

Monthly in Oakland, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,730

Difference

Home Values

Oakland

Boston

$575K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -9.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↓ -12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$433K - $1.10M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 67% more expensive than Oakland

Calculate payment - Oakland 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

Oakland, 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

Oakland, 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.