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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fresno

California
101

Boston is 74% more expensive than Fresno.

$2,093/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↓ 37%
$94,755/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↓ 29%
$710,400 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$348,500 ↓ 51%
$2,176/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↓ 36%
663,972
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $27,951/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fresno — common questions

Is Boston or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fresno?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fresno?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $27,951/year higher in Boston.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Fresno details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Fresno

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