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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

8.9% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
10.3% 10.3% 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 10.3% more
Seattle
156
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Seattle
108
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Seattle
118
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 4.5% more
Seattle
110
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 23.1% more
Seattle
91
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index1241358.9% more
Housing15617210.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$2,60026.8% more
Median Home Price$780,000$700,00010.3% less
Groceries108110~Same
Transportation118118~Same
Healthcare1101154.5% more
Utilities9111223.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Boston, MA
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Boston51°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Seattle is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Boston?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Boston?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Boston?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.