Moving from New York to Boston (2026)
Boston has a COL index of 162 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). You'd pay about 13% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Boston to match your New York lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in New York | Equivalent in Boston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,652 |
| $50K | $43,316 |
| $60K | $51,979 |
| $75K | $64,973 |
| $80K | $69,305 |
| $100K | $86,631 |
| $120K | $103,957 |
| $150K | $129,947 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — New York vs Boston
| Expense | New York | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| Groceries | $437 | $418 |
| Transport | $132 | $90 |
| Utilities | $180 | $185 |
| Internet | $75 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $-15 | $665 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $561 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in New York — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston cheaper than New York?
Yes. Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). That's about 13% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from New York to Boston?
On a $75K salary, moving from New York to Boston saves roughly $619/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,428/year.
What salary do I need in Boston to match my New York lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in New York, you'd need roughly $64,973/year in Boston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only