Washington, DC vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC and Boston, MA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Washington, DC
DC
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 111.3
- Housing RPP
- 156.3
- Goods RPP
- 107.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,045/mo
DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.
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 more expensive than Washington, DC by about 0.6% (RPP 111.3 to 112).
$60,000 in Washington, DC
-> $60,377
in Boston, MA
$100,000 in Washington, DC
-> $100,629
in Boston, MA
$150,000 in Washington, DC
-> $150,943
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 Washington, DC?
- Boston, MA (RPP 112) is more expensive than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 0.6%.
- What salary do I need in Boston, MA if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?
- You would need approximately $100,629 in Boston, MA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (112 / 111.3).