Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Seattle is 20% more expensive than Boston.

$1,998/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 5%
$121,984/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↓ 22%
$912,100 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$710,400 ↓ 22%
$2,220/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↓ 2%
741,440
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $27,229/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Boston — common questions

Is Seattle or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Boston?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Boston?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $27,229/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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