Can I Afford to Live in Boston vs Washington on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Boston, MA
$4,723/mo take-home
Rent: $3,000/mo (64% of take-home)
Difficult
Washington, DC
$4,670/mo take-home
Rent: $3,100/mo (66% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Boston
MA
Washington
DC
Monthly take-home (est.)
$4,723Best ✓
$4,670
1BR rent
$3,000Best ✓
$3,100
Groceries (est.)
$418Best ✓
$422
Transport (est.)
$90Best ✓
$100
Utilities
$185Best ✓
$190
Internet
$70Best ✓
$75
Left after essentials
$960/month
$783/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Boston?

At $80K/year in Boston, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,723. With 1BR rent around $3,000/month, rent takes up 64% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $80K a good salary in Washington?

At $80K/year in Washington, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,670. With 1BR rent around $3,100/month, rent takes up 66% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Boston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $960/month vs $783/month in Washington.

Can I afford to live alone in Boston on $80K?

It's tight. Rent in Boston would take 64% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Boston vs Washington

$40K$50K$60K$75K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only