Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Boston, MA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

New York is 6% cheaper than Boston.

$1,779/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 18%
$79,713/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 19%
$751,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$710,400 ↓ 5%
$1,837/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 18%
8,516,202
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $15,042/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Boston — common questions

Is New York or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New York is cheaper to live in with an index of 166 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Boston?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Boston?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $15,042/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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.
View New York details → View Boston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New York and Boston

New York vs. Allen New York vs. Los Angeles New York vs. Tuscaloosa New York vs. Chicago New York vs. Tyler New York vs. Houston Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit