🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇺🇸 New York

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Boston

United States

$2,923–$4,628/mo

$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)

🇺🇸

New York

United States

$3,077–$4,872/mo

$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)

New York is 5% more expensive

Boston wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBoston (USD)New York (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,192–$3,410$2,308–$3,590🟢 Boston
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,157–$1,827$1,218–$1,923🟢 Boston
Utilities$91–$177$96–$186🟢 Boston
Groceries$463–$694$487–$731🟢 Boston
Eating out (mid-range meal)$61–$110$64–$115🟢 Boston
Public transport (monthly)$116–$140$122–$147🟢 Boston
Internet & Mobile$37–$61$38–$64🟢 Boston
Gym membership$43–$79$45–$83🟢 Boston
Cinema ticket$17–$22$18–$23🟢 Boston
Monthly total (single)$2,923–$4,628$3,077–$4,872🟢 Boston

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

Housing3.9 / 10 · 2.7 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Education8.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Economy7.7 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York
Internet8.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Boston▲ better
New York

Who should choose which city?

Choose Boston if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
  • Universities
  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Students

Choose New York if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Boston
  • Career opportunities
  • Culture
  • Transit
  • Finance

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Full Boston guide

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Explore Boston

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Full New York guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore New York