The Verdict
Living in Austin is 23% cheaper than Boston.
If you move from Austin to Boston, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about $101,538 in Boston.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Boston:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Boston | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,100 | $3,150 | +$1,050 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $414 | +$18 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $298 | $333 | +$35 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $111 | $-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $210 | $220 | +$10 |
| Total Monthly | $3,134 | $4,227 | +$1,093 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (23% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential ($5,200/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Boston to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $67,692 | $17,692 more |
| $75,000 | $101,538 | $26,538 more |
| $100,000 | $135,385 | $35,385 more |
| $125,000 | $169,231 | $44,231 more |
| $150,000 | $203,077 | $53,077 more |
| $200,000 | $270,769 | $70,769 more |
Austin vs Boston: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 23%. Austin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 60, while Boston has 90.
Average Salaries: Austin: $4,500/month vs Boston: $5,200/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 5, while Boston wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.