🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇺🇸 San Francisco
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Boston
United States
$2,923–$4,628/mo
$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
San Francisco is 16% more expensive
Boston wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Boston (USD) | San Francisco (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,192–$3,410 | $2,538–$3,949 | 🟢 Boston |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,157–$1,827 | $1,340–$2,115 | 🟢 Boston |
| Utilities | $91–$177 | $106–$204 | 🟢 Boston |
| Groceries | $463–$694 | $536–$804 | 🟢 Boston |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $61–$110 | $71–$127 | 🟢 Boston |
| Public transport (monthly) | $116–$140 | $134–$162 | 🟢 Boston |
| Internet & Mobile | $37–$61 | $42–$71 | 🟢 Boston |
| Gym membership | $43–$79 | $49–$92 | 🟢 Boston |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$22 | $20–$25 | 🟢 Boston |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,923–$4,628 | $3,385–$5,359 | 🟢 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 · 2.2 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Education8.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Boston▲ better
San Francisco
Who should choose which city?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓Universities
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓History
- ✓Students
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Boston
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
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Full Boston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Boston →📊
Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →