Is Boston, MA cheaper than Tacoma, WA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 30.0% cheaper than in Tacoma, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,900/month in Tacoma, WA.

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

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

Tacoma, WA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Tacoma, 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.

Tacoma, WA

Population:219K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$560K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Tacoma, WA

The Evergreen State

219K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 219K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Tacoma, WA vs Boston, MA

Category	Tacoma, 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%

Tacoma, WA

$7,536

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,261

less

All Utilities

↑ 48.9%

Tacoma, WA

$481

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$235

Other

↓ 7.6%

Tacoma, WA

$1,975

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$151

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.8%

Tacoma, WA

$824

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$80.54

less

Transportation

↓ 3.6%

Tacoma, WA

$1,899

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$68.30

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Tacoma, WA

$1,079

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,380

To$3,095

↑ $1,715

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$3,255

↑ $1,705

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$3,865

↑ $1,965

3 Bed

From$2,630

To$4,630

↑ $2,000

Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,970/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 Tacoma, WA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,325

Difference

Home Values

Tacoma

Boston

$560K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +23.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$404K - $685K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 72% more expensive than Tacoma

Calculate payment - Tacoma 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

Tacoma, 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

Tacoma, 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.