🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Boston
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Boston
United States
$2,923–$4,628/mo
$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)
Boston is 16% more expensive
Austin wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Boston (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $2,192–$3,410 | 🟢 Austin |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $1,157–$1,827 | 🟢 Austin |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $91–$177 | 🟢 Austin |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $463–$694 | 🟢 Austin |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $61–$110 | 🟢 Austin |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $116–$140 | 🟢 Austin |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $37–$61 | 🟢 Austin |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $43–$79 | 🟢 Austin |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Austin |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,923–$4,628 | 🟢 Austin |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 3.9 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Safety9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Education8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Environment9.5 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Culture8.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Austin▲ better
Boston
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Boston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Austin
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓History
- ✓Students
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📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Boston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Boston →