Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA 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.

Seattle has a cost of living index of 144.5, about 44.5% above the national average. Housing is a major driver here, with a housing index of 203.6. Typical apartment rent is about $2,970 a month, and median home values are around $1,119,686. The median household income is approximately $94,000.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $69,200 worth of lifestyle in Seattle. 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 Seattle is moderately expensive. The city has expanded its light rail network significantly, and residents in neighborhoods along the Link Light Rail corridor can live without a car. That said, most parts of the metro area still require one, and traffic on key corridors like I-5 and I-90 is among the worst in the country during peak hours. Groceries run about 15% above the national average, and healthcare costs are also slightly elevated.

One practical cost consideration: Seattle's rental market has softened from its 2021 peak but remains tight. New apartment construction has added supply, which has moderated prices slightly in some neighborhoods, particularly those farther from downtown. Renters who are flexible on neighborhood and willing to live a few miles from the city center can find meaningfully better value than those who focus on Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, or Belltown.