Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and Boston, MA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.7
- Housing RPP
- 154.8
- Goods RPP
- 116.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,645/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
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 Seattle, WA by about 1.5% (RPP 113.7 to 112).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $59,103
in Boston, MA
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $98,505
in Boston, MA
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $147,757
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 Seattle, WA?
- Boston, MA (RPP 112) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 1.5%.
- What salary do I need in Boston, MA if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $98,505 in Boston, MA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (112 / 113.7).