Boston vs Austin

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 Austin

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Austin sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $430,000 in Austin, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,700 in Austin.

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

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Austin (97).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $75,413 in Austin. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.

Relocating: Boston vs Austin

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and Austin (index: 107), the 34% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Austin 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 Austin can afford $1,760/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $430,000 in Austin, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $1,700/month in Austin, renters save significantly in Austin. 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 significantly further in Austin. 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 Austin (107)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Austin at 107 is 7% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The 55-point spread between Boston (162) and Austin (107) 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 Austin scores 123. That 119-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Austin with indices of 123 versus 242. Median home prices of $620,000 in Boston and $430,000 in Austin underscore this gap.

For renters: With median rents of $2,800/month in Boston and $1,700/month in Austin, the annual rent difference is approximately $13,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $66,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $190,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and Austin translates to roughly $11,400 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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