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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Boston is 30% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,093/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 2%
$94,755/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 15%
$710,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 90%
$2,176/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
663,972
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,803/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Boston or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Berkeley?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Berkeley?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $13,803/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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