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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

31.1% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
45.8% 45.8% more expensive housing
14.6% 14.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 45.8% more
Austin
118
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 14.6% more
Austin
96
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 20.4% more
Austin
98
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 18.6% more
Austin
97
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 13.1% more
Austin
99
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10313531.1% more
Housing11817245.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,60079.3% more
Median Home Price$425,000$700,00064.7% more
Groceries9611014.6% more
Transportation9811820.4% more
Healthcare9711518.6% more
Utilities9911213.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Boston, MA
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boston costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Boston51°F
Population
Austin979,882
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 45.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Boston?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Boston?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Boston?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $275,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.