Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Boston is 189% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,093/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 55%
$94,755/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 38%
$710,400 ↑ 375%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 79%
$2,176/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 54%
663,972
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,142/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $13,704/year.

Median household income is $36,039/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Peoria — common questions

Is Boston or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Peoria?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $1,142/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Peoria?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $36,039/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Peoria details →

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