Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Boston is 100% more expensive than Hampton.

$2,093/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 36%
$94,755/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 28%
$710,400 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 67%
$2,176/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 38%
663,972
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $26,997/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Hampton — common questions

Is Boston or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Hampton?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Hampton?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $26,997/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Hampton details →

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