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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Torrance

California
218

Boston is 19% cheaper than Torrance.

$2,093/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 6%
$94,755/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 19%
$710,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 46%
$2,176/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 5%
663,972
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $18,350/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Torrance — common questions

Is Boston or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Torrance?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Torrance?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $18,350/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Torrance details →

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