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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Boston is 14% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,093/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↓ 4%
$94,755/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 6%
$710,400 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 22%
$2,176/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 5%
663,972
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $5,259/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Boston or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Vallejo?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Vallejo?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $5,259/year higher in Boston.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Vallejo details →

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