Boston, MA vs Los Angeles, CA Cost of Living (2026)

Boston has a cost of living index of 148.4, about 48.4% above the national average. Housing is a major driver here, with a housing index of 221.2. Typical apartment rent is about $4,225 a month, and median home values are around $1,082,320. The median household income is approximately $84,000.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $67,400 worth of lifestyle in Boston. That usually means smaller apartments, tighter savings margins, or a longer commute if you want to keep housing costs in check. Outside housing, utilities and healthcare also run above the national baseline.

Groceries in Boston run about 15 to 20% above the national average. Healthcare costs are elevated as well, which is partly a function of the city being a major medical hub with large academic hospitals. Utility costs, particularly heating in winter, are another above-average expense. Natural gas and electric bills can be notably high from November through March.

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax of 5%, plus a 4% surtax on income above $1 million. For most workers, the effective state tax burden is around 5%, which is moderate compared to states like California or New York. Boston's MBTA transit system covers much of the metro area, and many workers avoid car ownership entirely, particularly those living within the core neighborhoods. That transit access provides real financial relief for households that can make the trade.

Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 152.3, about 52.3% above the national average. Housing is a major driver here, with a housing index of 235.4. Typical apartment rent is about $3,016 a month, and median home values are around $1,350,980. The median household income is approximately $74,000. This page uses the broader Los Angeles-Long Beach market data.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $65,700 worth of lifestyle in Los Angeles. That usually means smaller apartments, tighter savings margins, or a longer commute if you want to keep housing costs in check. Outside housing, transportation and miscellaneous costs also run above the national baseline.

Transportation in Los Angeles is an unavoidable cost. The metro area's public transit has improved but still leaves most residents dependent on a car for daily life. Average car insurance rates in California are among the highest in the nation, and LA's traffic means that commutes consume significant time, which affects how people weigh salary offers against work location. Groceries and dining run about 15 to 20% above the national average.

California's income tax adds another layer to salary planning. The state has a progressive tax structure with rates reaching 13.3% for the highest earners. For someone earning $100,000 single filing, the marginal state rate is 9.3%. Combined with federal and FICA taxes, take-home pay in LA ends up meaningfully lower than gross salary comparisons suggest, especially for workers moving from no-income-tax states like Texas or Nevada.