Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Irving, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Boston is 73% more expensive than Irving.

$2,093/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↓ 28%
$94,755/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↓ 16%
$710,400 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 60%
$2,176/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 30%
663,972
Population
255,036

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Irving, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $15,114/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Irving residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Irving — common questions

Is Boston or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Irving?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Irving?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $15,114/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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