Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Boston is 238% more expensive than Toledo.

$2,093/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 58%
$94,755/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 50%
$710,400 ↑ 564%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 85%
$2,176/mo ↑ 154%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 61%
663,972
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,213/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $14,556/year.

Median household income is $47,223/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Toledo — common questions

Is Boston or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Toledo?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $1,213/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Toledo?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $47,223/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Ohio?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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