Boston, MA vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and San Diego, CA. 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.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Boston, MA by about 2.2% (RPP 112 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $61,339
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $102,232
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $153,348
in San Diego, CA
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 San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 2.2%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $102,232 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 112).