What is the cost of living in Boston?

The cost of living in Boston is 18.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 81.8). Groceries are 4.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 1.5% more expensive than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 3,347 per month. Local purchasing power index is 136.4 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 MA, United States · #9 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Boston?

Q: Should I move to Boston?

Boston, MA, United States has a cost of living 18.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 81.8). It is ranked #9 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 136.4 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

18.2% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-18.2%

vs NYC

USD 3,347

1-BR, city centre

136.4

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Boston?

Cost breakdown: Boston

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

81.8 Very expensive

Rent

73.0 Moderate

Groceries

96.0 Expensive

Restaurants

101.5 Expensive

Purchasing Power

136.4 Very strong

Rent in Boston

1-BR, city centre USD 3,347/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 2,654/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 5,918/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 3,987/mo

Save by going outside centre 21% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

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