Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Boston is 15% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $63,947 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 San Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $580,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $3,400 in San Francisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while San Francisco scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than San Francisco (113).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.
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