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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Boston is 33% more expensive than Sacramento.

$2,093/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↓ 19%
$94,755/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↓ 12%
$710,400 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$484,600 ↓ 32%
$2,176/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↓ 19%
663,972
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $11,002/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Boston or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Sacramento?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Sacramento?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $11,002/year higher in Boston.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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