Boston vs San Francisco

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · California salaries

Living in Boston vs San Francisco

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while San Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $580,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $3,400 in San Francisco.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while San Francisco scores 112.

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than San Francisco (113).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.

Relocating: Boston vs San Francisco

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and San Francisco (index: 190), the 15% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Boston is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Boston can afford $1,780/month, while the median household in San Francisco can afford $2,780/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $1,200,000 in San Francisco, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $3,400/month in San Francisco, renters save significantly in Boston. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Boston. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Boston (162) vs San Francisco (190)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while San Francisco at 190 is 90% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

San Francisco costs meaningfully more than Boston, with a 28-point composite gap that translates to real differences in rent, groceries, and daily expenses. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Boston scores 242 and San Francisco scores 327. That 85-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Boston with indices of 242 versus 327. Median home prices of $620,000 in Boston and $1,200,000 in San Francisco underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Boston has an edge in housing and groceries, while San Francisco is more affordable for healthcare. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $2,800/month in Boston and $3,400/month in San Francisco, the annual rent difference is approximately $7,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $36,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $580,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and San Francisco translates to roughly $34,800 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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