Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Boston is 141% more expensive than High Point.

$2,093/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 35%
$710,400 ↑ 234%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 70%
$2,176/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 50%
663,972
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,031/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $12,372/year.

Median household income is $33,527/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs High Point — common questions

Is Boston or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and High Point?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,031/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or High Point?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $33,527/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View High Point details →

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