New York, NY vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between New York, NY and Boston, MA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
New York, NY
NY
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113
- Housing RPP
- 154.2
- Goods RPP
- 107.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,752/mo
NY state income tax 4%-10.9% + NYC city tax up to 3.876% for city residents.
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 New York, NY by about 0.9% (RPP 113 to 112).
$60,000 in New York, NY
-> $59,469
in Boston, MA
$100,000 in New York, NY
-> $99,115
in Boston, MA
$150,000 in New York, NY
-> $148,673
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 New York, NY?
- Boston, MA (RPP 112) is cheaper than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 0.9%.
- What salary do I need in Boston, MA if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?
- You would need approximately $99,115 in Boston, MA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (112 / 113).