Boston, MA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Boston, MA
MA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 112
- Housing RPP
- 150.3
- Goods RPP
- 110.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,827/mo
Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.7
- Housing RPP
- 122.9
- Goods RPP
- 98.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,877/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 7.4% (RPP 112 to 103.7).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $55,554
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $92,589
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $138,884
in Phoenix, AZ
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 7.4%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $92,589 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 112).