Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Sacramento is 21% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $59,259 in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Sacramento scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Sacramento (106).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sacramento.
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