Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Boston is 11% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $66,758 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 Jose sits at 308 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $1,300,000 in San Jose, a difference of $680,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $3,100 in San Jose.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while San Jose scores 110.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than San Jose (112).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $117,324 in San Jose. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.
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