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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Los Angeles is 6% more expensive than Boston.

$1,879/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 11%
$80,366/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 18%
$879,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$710,400 ↓ 19%
$2,055/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 6%
3,857,897
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $14,389/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Boston — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Boston?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Boston?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $14,389/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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