Los Angeles vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Boston is 1% more affordable than Los Angeles.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Los Angeles, CA

COL index163
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo ✓
Median home price$850K
VS

Boston, MA

COL index162 ✓
State income tax5% ✓
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLos Angeles indexBoston indexDifference
Housing215214 ✓-1%
Groceries153152 ✓-1%
Transportation1511510%
Healthcare157156 ✓-1%
Utilities145144 ✓-1%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Los Angeles → Boston

What salary in Boston gives you the same purchasing power as your Los Angeles salary?

Salary in Los AngelesEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$56,000$-4,000
$80,000$74,000$-6,000
$100,000$93,000$-7,000
$130,000$121,000$-9,000
$150,000$139,000$-11,000
$200,000$186,000$-14,000

Los Angeles vs Boston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Boston, MA, Boston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 162 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 1%.

State income tax impact

Los Angeles workers pay 9.3% California state income tax, while Boston workers pay 5%.

Housing costs

The median home price in Los Angeles is $850,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,600/month in Los Angeles versus $2,900/month in Boston.

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