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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Boston is 135% more expensive than Killeen.

$2,093/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 45%
$94,755/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 38%
$710,400 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 72%
$2,176/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 46%
663,972
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $946/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $11,352/year.

Median household income is $36,416/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Killeen — common questions

Is Boston or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Killeen?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $946/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Killeen?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $36,416/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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