Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Vancouver, WA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Boston is 43% more expensive than Vancouver.

$2,093/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
$94,755/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↓ 18%
$710,400 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$440,300 ↓ 38%
$2,176/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 26%
663,972
Population
192,696

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $16,599/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Boston or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Vancouver?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Vancouver?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $16,599/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Washington?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Vancouver details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Vancouver

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Vancouver vs. Knoxville Vancouver vs. Glendale Vancouver vs. Peoria Vancouver vs. Providence Vancouver vs. Huntington Beach Vancouver vs. Akron