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Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

8.8% Boston, MA is cheaper overall
18.1% 18.1% cheaper housing
4.3% 4.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.1% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 4.3% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 7.8% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 2.5% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 3.7% more
San Francisco
108
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index1481358.8% less
Housing21017218.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$2,60013.3% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$700,00044.0% less
Groceries1151104.3% less
Transportation1281187.8% less
Healthcare1181152.5% less
Utilities1081123.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Boston38
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Boston51°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 18.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 Francisco to Boston?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 Francisco vs Boston?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $550,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.