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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Ventura

California
183

Boston is 4% cheaper than Ventura.

$2,093/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ≈ Same
$94,755/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 6%
$710,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 10%
$2,176/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 3%
663,972
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,652/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Ventura — common questions

Is Boston or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Ventura?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Ventura?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $5,652/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Ventura details →

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