Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Boston, MA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Austin is 24% cheaper than Boston.

$1,655/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 26%
$91,461/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 4%
$512,700 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 39%
$1,747/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 25%
967,862
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $3,294/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Boston — common questions

Is Austin or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Boston?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Boston?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $3,294/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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