Boston vs Seattle: cost of living compared
Seattle is 4% cheaper than Boston overall. Seattle (WA) 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
Overall, Seattle presents a slightly lower cost of living compared to Boston, though both metros are significantly more expensive than the national average. This difference is primarily driven by variations in housing costs, everyday expenses like utilities and healthcare, and the presence of a state income tax in one location but not the other. While some categories are roughly similar, others show a more noticeable gap.
Housing
When considering housing, Boston's median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is noticeably higher than Seattle's, making renting more expensive in the Northeast. However, the median home purchase price in Seattle is greater than in Boston. Both cities feature a mix of historic and modern housing, often with compact footprints, reflecting their dense urban environments. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary significantly by location and property type.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some key differences. Seattle benefits from noticeably lower utility costs and somewhat cheaper healthcare and food prices compared to Boston. A significant financial consideration is Washington's lack of a state income tax, which Massachusetts does have. Transportation costs are roughly similar, though Boston's public transit network is extensive, while Seattle relies more on its growing system and ferries. Commute times are comparable.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, these cities offer distinct lifestyles. Boston experiences four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters, while Seattle has a milder, rainier climate with less extreme temperatures. Both are dense, walkable cities with significant public transportation options, though Boston's system is older and more established. Seattle's landscape is defined by mountains and water, offering abundant outdoor recreation, while Boston boasts historical significance and a strong academic presence.
Bottom line
Moving between Boston and Seattle involves a nuanced financial trade-off. While Seattle generally offers a slightly lower overall cost of living, particularly due to its lack of state income tax and cheaper utilities, housing costs can be higher for homeowners there. Renters, however, may find Boston more expensive. A household's specific spending habits and housing preferences will ultimately determine which metro aligns better with their budget.
| Measure | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 162 | 155 |
| Housing index | 194 | 192 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 123 |
| Food index | 115 | 112 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 112 |
| Utilities index | 135 | 105 |
| Misc index | 122 | 118 |
| Median home price | $698,000 | $748,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,850/mo | $2,350/mo |
| Average commute | 32 min | 33 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Seattle home with the True Cost Calculator.