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Cost of Living: San Diego, 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.

2.3% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
2.4% 2.4% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.4% more
San Diego
168
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries ~Same
San Diego
108
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation ~Same
San Diego
118
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 2.7% more
San Diego
112
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 7.7% more
San Diego
104
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Diego, CA Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index1321352.3% more
Housing1681722.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,300$2,60013.0% more
Median Home Price$820,000$700,00014.6% less
Groceries108110~Same
Transportation118118~Same
Healthcare1121152.7% more
Utilities1041127.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Diego, 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

San Diego, CA
$89,000
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 San Diego lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Diego (132) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Diego4.0%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Diego2.9%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
San DiegoDefense, Biotech, Tourism
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Diego25 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
San Diego51
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
San Diego45
Boston38
Avg Temperature
San Diego64°F
Boston51°F
Population
San Diego1,381,611
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Diego 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 San Diego or Boston cheaper to live in?+
San Diego is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Diego vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,300/month in San Diego and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Diego 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 San Diego to Boston?+
Median household income in San Diego is $89,000 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 San Diego vs Boston?+
The median home price in San Diego is $820,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.