Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Reno, NV (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Boston is 44% more expensive than Reno.

$2,093/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 31%
$94,755/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↓ 17%
$710,400 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$498,600 ↓ 30%
$2,176/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↓ 32%
663,972
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $16,307/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Reno — common questions

Is Boston or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Reno?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Reno?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $16,307/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Nevada?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Reno details →

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