Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Washington is 6% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $70,370 in Washington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Washington (105).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Washington.
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