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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Orange

California
206

Boston is 15% cheaper than Orange.

$2,093/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 8%
$94,755/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 23%
$710,400 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 27%
$2,176/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 10%
663,972
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $22,190/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Orange — common questions

Is Boston or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Orange?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Orange?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $22,190/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Orange details →

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