Is Boston, MA cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 27.4% more expensive than Sacramento, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2051 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $174,615.385 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 44.0% more expensive than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2051 more per month than Sacramento, CA, or $24615 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.1K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $174.6K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 27.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,051

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$24.6K

Per year

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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$460K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

127

(27% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Sacramento, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,664/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $1,611more	44.0%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $410more	28.8%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$716/mo	↑ $186more	35.1%
Healthcare	$620/mo	$743/mo	↑ $124more	20.0%
Groceries	$1,059/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $19.99more	1.9%
Other	$1,808/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $16.74more	0.9%

Housing

↑ 44.0%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$1,611

Transportation

↑ 28.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$410

All Utilities

↑ 35.1%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$186

Healthcare

↑ 20.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$124

Groceries

↑ 1.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$19.99

Other

↑ 0.9%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$16.74

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$3,095

↑ $1,405

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$3,255

↑ $1,485

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$3,865

↑ $1,685

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$4,630

↑ $1,730

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,367

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Boston

$460K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 109% more expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento 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

Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, 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.