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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fremont

California
278

Boston is 37% cheaper than Fremont.

$2,093/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 39%
$94,755/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 86%
$710,400 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 82%
$2,176/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 38%
663,972
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $81,595/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fremont — common questions

Is Boston or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fremont?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fremont?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $81,595/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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