Arlington vs Boston

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Arlington has the same purchasing power as $74,085 in Boston.

Conversely, $75,000 in Boston equals $75,926 in Arlington.

Living in Arlington vs Boston

Housing Costs

Arlington's housing index of 249 is higher Boston's 242, translating to median home prices of $740,000 vs $620,000. The $120,000 difference in home prices means roughly $7,800 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,350/mo in Arlington compared to $2,800/mo in Boston, a monthly difference of $450.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 106 in Arlington and 108 in Boston. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Arlington vs $513/month in Boston. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Arlington and 126 in Boston. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Arlington vs $504 in Boston. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 117 in Arlington and 118 in Boston. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $145,000 in Arlington and $76,298 in Boston. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $88,415 and $47,098 respectively. Arlington residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $3,383/month to housing in Arlington vs $1,780/month in Boston. In Arlington, median rent of $2,350/mo fits within this budget. In Boston, median rent of $2,800/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 24 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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