The Verdict
Living in Boston is 17% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Boston to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Boston, you would need to earn about $89,489 in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Boston | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,150 | $3,850 | +$700 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $459 | +$45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $368 | +$35 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $124 | +$13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $196 | $-24 |
| Total Monthly | $4,227 | $4,996 | +$769 |
* 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 (17% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 71/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/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 San Francisco to match a Boston salary
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $59,659 | $9,659 more |
| $75,000 | $89,489 | $14,489 more |
| $100,000 | $119,318 | $19,318 more |
| $125,000 | $149,148 | $24,148 more |
| $150,000 | $178,977 | $28,977 more |
| $200,000 | $238,636 | $38,636 more |
Boston vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 17%. Boston is the more affordable option.
Rent: Boston has a rent index of 90, while San Francisco has 110.
Average Salaries: Boston: $5,200/month vs San Francisco: $7,000/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Boston wins 5, while San Francisco wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.