Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Boston is 123% more expensive than Tyler.

$2,093/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 43%
$94,755/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 31%
$710,400 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 70%
$2,176/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 46%
663,972
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $29,228/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Tyler residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tyler — common questions

Is Boston or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tyler?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tyler?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $29,228/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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