Is Boston, MA cheaper than Roseville, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 30.7% more expensive than Roseville, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2305 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Roseville, CA, you'd need approximately $177,664.945 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 64.2% more expensive than in Roseville, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,277/month in Roseville, CA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2305 more per month than Roseville, CA, or $27665 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Roseville, 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 Roseville, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.3K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $177.7K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 30.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,305

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$27.7K

Per year

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

Roseville, CA

Population:159K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$652K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

131

(31% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Roseville, CA

The Golden State

159K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 159K 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: Roseville, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Roseville, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,212/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,063more	64.2%
Transportation	$1,384/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $447more	32.3%
All Utilities	$523/mo	$716/mo	↑ $193more	36.8%
Healthcare	$611/mo	$743/mo	↑ $132more	21.6%
Other	$1,761/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $63.60more	3.6%
Groceries	$1,045/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $33.80more	3.2%

Housing

↑ 64.2%

Roseville, CA

$3,212

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,063

Transportation

↑ 32.3%

Roseville, CA

$1,384

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$447

All Utilities

↑ 36.8%

Roseville, CA

$523

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$193

Healthcare

↑ 21.6%

Roseville, CA

$611

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$132

Other

↑ 3.6%

Roseville, CA

$1,761

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$63.60

Groceries

↑ 3.2%

Roseville, CA

$1,045

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$33.80

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,764

To$3,095

↑ $1,331

1 Bed

From$1,846

To$3,255

↑ $1,409

2 Bed

From$2,277

To$3,865

↑ $1,588

3 Bed

From$3,030

To$4,630

↑ $1,600

Roseville, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,140–$2,330/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.

$8,537

Monthly in Roseville, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,932

Difference

Home Values

Roseville

Boston

$652K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +20.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$530K - $670K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 47% more expensive than Roseville

Calculate payment - Roseville 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

Roseville, 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

Roseville, 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.