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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

3.8% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
6.2% 6.2% 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 6.2% more
Washington
162
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Washington
108
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 3.3% cheaper
Washington
122
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 4.5% more
Washington
110
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 6.7% more
Washington
105
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index1301353.8% more
Housing1621726.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$2,60018.2% more
Median Home Price$620,000$700,00012.9% more
Groceries108110~Same
Transportation1221183.3% less
Healthcare1101154.5% more
Utilities1051126.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Boston, MA
State Income Tax10.75% (top)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Boston51°F
Population
Washington689,545
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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 Washington or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Washington is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Boston?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington to Boston?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Boston?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.