Is Boston, MA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 45.4% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

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

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San Jose, CA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, 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.

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$961K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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: San Jose, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	San Jose, 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%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$4,392

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 30.1%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$423

⚡All Utilities

↑ 54.1%

San Jose, CA

$464

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$251

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.3%

San Jose, CA

$706

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$37.17

📦Other

→ 0.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$3,095

↑ $505

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$3,255

↑ $305

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$3,865

↑ $420

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$4,630

↑ $80.00

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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 San Jose, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,730

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Boston

$1.35M

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 29% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.