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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Concord

California
187

Boston is 6% cheaper than Concord.

$2,093/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 6%
$94,755/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 15%
$710,400 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 6%
$2,176/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 5%
663,972
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $14,440/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Concord — common questions

Is Boston or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Concord?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Concord?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $14,440/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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