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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

San Jose is 44% more expensive than Boston.

$2,617/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↓ 20%
$141,565/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↓ 33%
$1,187,800 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$710,400 ↓ 40%
$2,775/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↓ 22%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $46,810/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Boston — common questions

Is San Jose or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Boston?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Boston?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $46,810/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Boston details →

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