Is Boston, MA cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 3.5% more expensive than San Diego, CA. This translates to spending an extra $260 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $153,125 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 1.0% more expensive than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $260 more per month than San Diego, CA, or $3125 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Diego, CA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $260/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$260

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$961K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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: San Diego, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	San Diego, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $260more	16.5%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$743/mo	↑ $105more	16.5%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$716/mo	↑ $81.96more	12.9%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.5%
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $51.97more	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.5%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$260

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.5%

San Diego, CA

$638

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$105

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.9%

San Diego, CA

$634

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$81.96

📦Other

↓ 3.5%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$66.96

less

🏠Housing

↑ 1.0%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$51.97

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$3,095

↑ $530

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$3,255

↑ $500

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$3,865

↑ $505

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$4,630

↑ $155

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$432

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Boston

$980K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 2% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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

San Diego, 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

San Diego, 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.