Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Boston is 73% more expensive than Provo.

$2,093/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 45%
$94,755/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 34%
$710,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 38%
$2,176/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 44%
663,972
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $941/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $11,292/year.

Median household income is $31,955/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Provo — common questions

Is Boston or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Provo?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $941/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Provo?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $31,955/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Utah?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Provo details →

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