Los Angeles, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Boston, MA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
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.
Equivalent salary
Boston, MA is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA by about 1.0% (RPP 113.1 to 112).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $59,416
in Boston, MA
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $99,027
in Boston, MA
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $148,541
in Boston, MA
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 Boston, MA cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- Boston, MA (RPP 112) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 1.0%.
- What salary do I need in Boston, MA if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $99,027 in Boston, MA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (112 / 113.1).