Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Boston is 59% more expensive than Eugene.

$2,093/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 36%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 33%
$710,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$435,400 ↓ 39%
$2,176/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 35%
663,972
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $746/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $8,952/year.

Median household income is $30,919/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Eugene — common questions

Is Boston or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Eugene?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $746/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Eugene?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $30,919/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oregon?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Eugene details →

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