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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Boston is 28% more expensive than Allen.

$2,093/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 10%
$94,755/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 36%
$710,400 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 39%
$2,176/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 4%
663,972
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $34,375/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Allen — common questions

Is Boston or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Allen?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Allen?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $34,375/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Allen

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago