Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Boston is 9% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $68,258 in Boston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Irvine sits at 294 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $1,050,000 in Irvine, a difference of $430,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $3,000 in Irvine.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Irvine scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Irvine (109).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $108,038 in Irvine. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.
Amazon affiliate links