🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇺🇸 Washington

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Boston

United States

$2,923–$4,628/mo

$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Washington

United States

$2,862–$4,531/mo

$2,862 – $4,531 / month (local)

Boston is 2% more expensive

Washington wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBoston (USD)Washington (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,192–$3,410$2,146–$3,338🟢 Washington
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,157–$1,827$1,133–$1,788🟢 Washington
Utilities$91–$177$89–$173🟢 Washington
Groceries$463–$694$453–$680🟢 Washington
Eating out (mid-range meal)$61–$110$60–$107🟢 Washington
Public transport (monthly)$116–$140$113–$137🟢 Washington
Internet & Mobile$37–$61$36–$60🟢 Washington
Gym membership$43–$79$42–$78🟢 Washington
Cinema ticket$17–$22$17–$21🟢 Washington
Monthly total (single)$2,923–$4,628$2,862–$4,531🟢 Washington

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 · 4.0 / 10
Boston
Washington▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Boston
Washington
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Boston
Washington
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Boston
Washington
Environment9.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Boston
Washington
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Boston
Washington
Culture8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Boston
Washington
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Boston
Washington

Who should choose which city?

Choose Boston if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Washington
  • ✓Universities
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓History
  • ✓Students

Choose Washington if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
  • ✓Careers in policy
  • ✓Museums
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Government

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Full Boston guide

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Full Washington guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Washington →