Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Boston is 31% more expensive than Chandler.

$2,093/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↓ 14%
$94,755/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 9%
$710,400 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$469,800 ↓ 34%
$2,176/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↓ 20%
663,972
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $8,936/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Chandler — common questions

Is Boston or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Chandler?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Chandler?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $8,936/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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