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Cost of Living: New York, NY 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.

6.9% Boston, MA is cheaper overall
11.8% 11.8% cheaper housing
5.2% 5.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.8% cheaper
New York
195
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 5.2% cheaper
New York
116
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 9.2% cheaper
New York
130
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
New York
115
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities ~Same
New York
112
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category New York, NY Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index1451356.9% less
Housing19517211.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,200$2,60018.8% less
Median Home Price$750,000$700,0006.7% less
Groceries1161105.2% less
Transportation1301189.2% less
Healthcare115115~Same
Utilities112112~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type New York, NY Boston, MA
State Income Tax10.90% (top)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.40%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boston costs more but median income is lower. 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 New York lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: New York (145) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
New York5.1%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
New York2.8%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
New York41 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
New York89
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
New York48
Boston38
Avg Temperature
New York55°F
Boston51°F
Population
New York8,258,035
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in New York 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 New York 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 11.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in New York vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,200/month in New York and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, New York or Boston?+
New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 New York to Boston?+
Median household income in New York is $115,000 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 New York vs Boston?+
The median home price in New York is $750,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: New York averages 1.40% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.