Moving from San Francisco to Boston (2026)
Boston has a COL index of 162 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Boston to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Boston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,402 |
| $50K | $41,753 |
| $60K | $50,103 |
| $75K | $62,629 |
| $80K | $66,804 |
| $100K | $83,505 |
| $120K | $100,206 |
| $150K | $125,258 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Boston
| Expense | San Francisco | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $3,000 |
| Groceries | $448 | $418 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $160 | $185 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $665 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $615 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in San Francisco — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Boston?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Boston saves roughly $869/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,428/year.
What salary do I need in Boston to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $62,629/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