Is Boston, MA cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 24.4% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $1827 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $128,071.066 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 46.0% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $1827 per month, or $21929 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Francisco, CA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.1K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,827

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$961K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	San Francisco, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $4,496less	46.0%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $328less	15.2%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$716/mo	↑ $268more	59.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $79.94less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$743/mo	↑ $37.17more	5.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.0%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$4,496

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.2%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$328

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 59.8%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$268

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.9%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$79.94

less

📦Other

↓ 2.7%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.3%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$37.17

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$3,095

↑ $635

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$3,255

↑ $305

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$3,865

↑ $295

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$4,630

↑ $70.00

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$4,649

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Boston

$1.25M

Median Value

$961K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 23% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.