Cheapest Cities Near Boston (2026)

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI52% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $2,120/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX52% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $2,050/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS51% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $2,000/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO51% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $2,050/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX51% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $2,050/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN51% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $2,010/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS51% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $2,060/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX51% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $1,950/mo on rent
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Boston at a glance

162
COL index
100 = US avg
$3,000
1BR rent
per month
$700K
Home price
median
5%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Oakland, CACOL: 162Irvine, CACOL: 158Washington, DCCOL: 153Los Angeles, CACOL: 173

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only