Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Boston is 123% more expensive than Dearborn.

$2,093/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 40%
$94,755/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 31%
$710,400 ↑ 245%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 71%
$2,176/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 46%
663,972
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $829/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $9,948/year.

Median household income is $29,563/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Boston or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Dearborn?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $829/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Dearborn?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $29,563/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Dearborn

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa