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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Boston is 155% more expensive than Amarillo.

$2,093/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 50%
$94,755/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 34%
$710,400 ↑ 280%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 74%
$2,176/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 51%
663,972
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $32,286/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Boston or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Amarillo?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Amarillo?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $32,286/year higher in Boston.
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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Amarillo

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor