San Francisco, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Boston, MA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). 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 San Francisco, CA by about 5.0% (RPP 117.9 to 112).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $56,997
in Boston, MA
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $94,996
in Boston, MA
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $142,494
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 San Francisco, CA?
- Boston, MA (RPP 112) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 5.0%.
- What salary do I need in Boston, MA if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $94,996 in Boston, MA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (112 / 117.9).