Boston vs Arlington

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Texas salaries

Living in Boston vs Arlington

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Arlington sits at 86 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $260,000 in Arlington, a difference of $360,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,300 in Arlington.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Arlington scores 96.

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Arlington (100).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $60,138 in Arlington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Arlington.

Relocating: Boston vs Arlington

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and Arlington (index: 96), the 41% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Arlington is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Boston can afford $1,780/month, while the median household in Arlington can afford $1,403/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $260,000 in Arlington, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $1,300/month in Arlington, renters save significantly in Arlington. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes further in Arlington where costs are 4% below the national average. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Boston (162) vs Arlington (96)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Arlington at 96 is 4% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The 66-point spread between Boston (162) and Arlington (96) is large enough to reshape a household budget entirely, especially for single-income families. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Boston scores 242 and Arlington scores 86. That 156-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Arlington with indices of 86 versus 242. Median home prices of $620,000 in Boston and $260,000 in Arlington underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $2,800/month in Boston and $1,300/month in Arlington, the annual rent difference is approximately $18,000. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $90,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $360,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and Arlington translates to roughly $21,600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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