Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Boston is 16% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,093/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 14%
$94,755/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 20%
$710,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 15%
$2,176/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 10%
663,972
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $18,641/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Arvada — common questions

Is Boston or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Arvada?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Arvada?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $18,641/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Colorado?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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