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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Ontario

California
152

Boston is 16% more expensive than Ontario.

$2,093/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↓ 8%
$94,755/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 13%
$710,400 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 20%
$2,176/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 10%
663,972
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $11,949/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Ontario — common questions

Is Boston or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Ontario?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Ontario?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $11,949/year higher in Boston.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Ontario details →

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