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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

0.7% Boston, MA is cheaper overall
3.4% 3.4% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.4% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Los Angeles
110
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 5.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 2.7% more
Los Angeles
112
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 6.7% more
Los Angeles
105
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index136135~Same
Housing1781723.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$2,6004.0% more
Median Home Price$880,000$700,00020.5% less
Groceries110110~Same
Transportation1251185.6% less
Healthcare1121152.7% more
Utilities1051126.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Boston, MA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Boston51°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Boston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Boston?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Boston?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Boston?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $180,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.