Boston, MA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 233.3
- Goods RPP
- 108.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,132/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Jose, CA is more expensive than Boston, MA by about 2.9% (RPP 112 to 115.3).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $61,768
in San Jose, CA
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $102,946
in San Jose, CA
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $154,420
in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
- San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) is more expensive than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 2.9%.
- What salary do I need in San Jose, CA if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $102,946 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (115.3 / 112).