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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Roseville

California
168

Boston is 5% more expensive than Roseville.

$2,093/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,099/mo ≈ Same
$94,755/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$117,354/yr ↑ 24%
$710,400 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$630,600 ↓ 11%
$2,176/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 2%
663,972
Population
152,438

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Roseville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,599/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $630,600 in Roseville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Roseville — common questions

Is Boston or Roseville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Roseville is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Roseville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Roseville it's $2,099/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Roseville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $117,354 in Roseville. Median household income is $22,599/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Roseville has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,099/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Roseville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Roseville

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Roseville vs. Hollywood Roseville vs. Charleston Roseville vs. Sunnyvale Roseville vs. Bellevue Roseville vs. Springfield Roseville vs. Escondido