Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Boston is 3% cheaper than Anaheim.

$2,093/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ≈ Same
$94,755/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↓ 4%
$710,400 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 9%
$2,176/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ≈ Same
663,972
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,172/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Boston or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Anaheim?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Anaheim?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $4,172/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Anaheim details →

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