Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Boston is 209% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 55%
$94,755/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 45%
$710,400 ↑ 450%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 82%
$2,176/mo ↑ 137%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 58%
663,972
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,144/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $13,728/year.

Median household income is $42,504/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Evansville — common questions

Is Boston or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Evansville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,144/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Evansville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $42,504/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Indiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Evansville details →

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