Cost of Living: Austin vs Boston (2026)

Austin vs Boston cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Boston is about 10% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $110,401 in Boston.

Boston is about 10% more expensive than Austin overall — $100,000 in Austin is worth about $110,401 in Boston.

Austin vs Boston: the numbers

MetricAustinBostonDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)98108+10%
Median rent$1,655$2,093+26%
Median home value$512,700$710,400+39%
Median household income$91,461$94,755+4%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Austin has the same buying power as about $110,401 in Boston. Going the other way, $100,000 in Boston is like $90,579 in Austin.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Austin and Boston.

Compare any salary: Austin vs Boston

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 108 vs 98 — a 10% difference. Your money goes further in Austin.

About $110,401 — that's what you'd need in Boston to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin.