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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Boston is 22% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$2,093/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 16%
$94,755/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 27%
$710,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 47%
$2,176/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 12%
663,972
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $25,130/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Boston or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $25,130/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Huntington Beach details →

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