Is Boston, MA cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 13.4% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $1003 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $137,965.116 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 30.0% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Boston, MA?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $1003 per month, or $12035 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Seattle, WA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.0K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,003

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.0K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$961K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA

Category	Seattle, WA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,261less	30.0%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$716/mo	↑ $235more	48.9%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $151less	7.6%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$743/mo	↓ $80.54less	9.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $68.30less	3.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 30.0%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,261

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 48.9%

Seattle, WA

$481

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$235

📦Other

↓ 7.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$151

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.8%

Seattle, WA

$824

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$80.54

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$68.30

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$3,095

↑ $915

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$3,255

↑ $995

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$3,865

↑ $1,235

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$4,630

↑ $1,190

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,325

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Boston

$808K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 19% more expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.