Boston vs Seattle

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 · Washington salaries

Living in Boston vs Seattle

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $2,300 in Seattle.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Seattle scores 109.

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Seattle (109).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Seattle.

Relocating: Boston vs Seattle

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and Seattle (index: 152), the 6% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Seattle 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 Seattle can afford $2,268/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $750,000 in Seattle, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $2,300/month in Seattle, renters save significantly in Seattle. 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle (152)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Seattle at 152 is 52% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

A 10-point index spread separates Boston from Seattle, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Boston scores 242 and Seattle scores 224. That 18-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Seattle with indices of 224 versus 242. Median home prices of $620,000 in Boston and $750,000 in Seattle underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Boston has an edge in groceries and transportation, while Seattle is more affordable for housing and utilities. 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 $2,300/month in Seattle, the annual rent difference is approximately $6,000. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $30,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $130,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and Seattle translates to roughly $7,800 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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