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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Boston is 163% more expensive than Laredo.

$2,093/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 52%
$94,755/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 33%
$710,400 ↑ 289%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 74%
$2,176/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 51%
663,972
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,092/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $13,104/year.

Median household income is $31,491/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Laredo — common questions

Is Boston or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Laredo?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $1,092/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Laredo?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $31,491/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

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