Is Boston, MA cheaper than Sunnyvale, CA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 31.0% cheaper than in Sunnyvale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $4,110/month in Sunnyvale, CA.

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

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

Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale, CA

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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 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.

Sunnyvale, CA

Population:152K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.91M

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Sunnyvale, CA

The Golden State

152K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 152K 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: Sunnyvale, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Sunnyvale, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,640/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,365less	31.0%
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

↓ 31.0%

Sunnyvale, CA

$7,640

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,365

less

Transportation

↑ 30.1%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,407

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$423

All Utilities

↑ 54.1%

Sunnyvale, CA

$464

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$251

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,129

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.3%

Sunnyvale, CA

$706

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$37.17

Other

→ 0.0%

Sunnyvale, CA

$1,825

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,090

To$3,095

↑ $5.00

1 Bed

From$3,520

To$3,255

↓ $265

2 Bed

From$4,110

To$3,865

↓ $245

3 Bed

From$5,430

To$4,630

↓ $800

Sunnyvale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,310–$3,580/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.

$13,172

Monthly in Sunnyvale, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$1,703

Difference

Home Values

Sunnyvale

Boston

$1.91M

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +23.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$1.44M - $2.76M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 50% less expensive than Sunnyvale

Calculate payment - Sunnyvale 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

Sunnyvale, 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

Sunnyvale, 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.