Is Boston, MA cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 2.0% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $148 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $148,223.684 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 15.1% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Boston, MA?

Moving from Washington, DC to Boston, MA could save you approximately $148 per month, or $1776 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $148/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$148

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$961K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Boston, MA

Category	Washington, DC	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $936less	15.1%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$716/mo	↑ $208more	40.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$743/mo	↑ $112more	17.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $54.64less	2.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,079/mo	→ $0	0.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,825/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.1%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$936

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 40.9%

Washington, DC

$508

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$208

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.6%

Washington, DC

$632

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$112

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.9%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$54.64

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

same

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$3,095

↑ $945

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$3,255

↑ $1,040

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$3,865

↑ $1,395

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$4,630

↑ $1,515

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$671

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Boston

$556K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 73% more expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$304

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.