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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Boston is 48% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$2,093/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 46%
$94,755/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 92%
$710,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 156%
$2,176/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 39%
663,972
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $87,107/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Boston or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $87,107/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Sunnyvale details →

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