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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Boston is 112% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,093/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 37%
$94,755/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 23%
$710,400 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 71%
$2,176/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 43%
663,972
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $21,725/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Odessa — common questions

Is Boston or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Odessa?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $771/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Odessa?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,725/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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