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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

San Francisco is 52% more expensive than Boston.

$2,419/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↓ 13%
$141,446/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↓ 33%
$1,380,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$710,400 ↓ 49%
$2,620/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↓ 17%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $46,691/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Boston — common questions

Is San Francisco or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Boston?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Boston?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $46,691/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Boston details →

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