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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Boston is 45% more expensive than Pearland.

$2,093/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 16%
$94,755/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 19%
$710,400 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 53%
$2,176/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↓ 10%
663,972
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $17,715/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Pearland — common questions

Is Boston or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Pearland?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Pearland?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $17,715/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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