Austin vs Boston: cost of living compared

Boston is 37% more expensive than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; MA tops out around 5%.

Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

The big picture

Comparing Austin and Boston reveals a substantial difference in the overall cost of living. Boston is considerably more expensive than Austin across nearly all categories. This significant gap is primarily driven by housing costs, which are much higher in Boston, but also by elevated expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities. Moving from Austin to Boston would mean a noticeable increase in household expenditures.

Housing

Housing presents the largest cost disparity. Both median home prices and typical rents for smaller units are substantially higher in Boston compared to Austin. While Austin's housing market is above the national average, Boston's is far more elevated. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, but the initial purchase price or monthly rent is a major factor in Boston's higher housing burden, which often features older, denser housing stock.

Taxes and everyday costs

Daily expenses are consistently higher in Boston. Food, healthcare, and utilities all cost more there than in Austin. Transportation is also pricier in Boston, though average commute times are roughly similar. A key difference is state income tax; Massachusetts has one, while Texas does not. This means a larger portion of income in Boston goes towards taxes before even considering other daily spending.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Beyond costs, a move between these cities means adapting to different environments. Austin offers a warmer climate with hot summers and mild winters, and is generally more car-dependent. Boston experiences four distinct seasons, including colder, snowy winters, and boasts a more established public transportation network, often allowing for less reliance on a personal vehicle. Boston also tends to be more densely populated and historic.

Bottom line

For households considering a move, the financial impact is clear: Boston demands a significantly larger budget than Austin. The absence of state income tax in Texas, combined with lower housing, transportation, and everyday expenses, means that a household's purchasing power will stretch further in Austin. A move to Boston would necessitate a substantial adjustment to accommodate its higher cost structure across the board.

Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Boston home with the True Cost Calculator.

More comparisons

• Boston vs Austin cost of living
• New York vs Boston cost of living
• Los Angeles vs Boston cost of living
• Chicago vs Boston cost of living
• Dallas vs Boston cost of living
• Houston vs Boston cost of living
• Washington vs Boston cost of living