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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Boston is 11% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$2,093/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 19%
$94,755/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 27%
$710,400 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 1%
$2,176/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 22%
663,972
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $25,171/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Boston or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $25,171/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Santa Clarita

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge