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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Glendale

California
214

Boston is 18% cheaper than Glendale.

$2,093/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ≈ Same
$94,755/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 11%
$710,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 47%
$2,176/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 2%
663,972
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,493/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Glendale — common questions

Is Boston or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Glendale?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Glendale?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $10,493/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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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