The Verdict
Living in Boston is 33% more expensive than Dallas.
If you move from Boston to Dallas, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Boston, you would need to earn about $46,875 in Dallas.
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 Boston:
Why people love Dallas:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Boston | Dallas | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,150 | $1,750 | $-1,400 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $383 | $-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $287 | $-46 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $137 | +$26 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $196 | $-24 |
| Total Monthly | $4,227 | $2,752 | $-1,475 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 71/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,200/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (33% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Dallas to match a Boston salary
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Dallas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $31,250 | $18,750 less |
| $75,000 | $46,875 | $28,125 less |
| $100,000 | $62,500 | $37,500 less |
| $125,000 | $78,125 | $46,875 less |
| $150,000 | $93,750 | $56,250 less |
| $200,000 | $125,000 | $75,000 less |
Boston vs Dallas: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 33%. Dallas is the more affordable option.
Rent: Boston has a rent index of 90, while Dallas has 50.
Average Salaries: Boston: $5,200/month vs Dallas: $4,000/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Boston wins 1, while Dallas wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.