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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

San Diego is 12% more expensive than Boston.

$2,223/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↓ 6%
$104,321/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↓ 9%
$848,500 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$710,400 ↓ 16%
$2,308/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↓ 6%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $9,566/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Boston — common questions

Is San Diego or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Boston?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Boston?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $9,566/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Boston details →

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