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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Boston is 93% more expensive than College Station.

$2,093/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 44%
$94,755/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 45%
$710,400 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 54%
$2,176/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 43%
663,972
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $925/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $11,100/year.

Median household income is $42,979/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs College Station — common questions

Is Boston or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and College Station?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $925/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or College Station?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $42,979/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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