salaryBoston is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$104
👥 People living there
666,442
830,235
Commute to work
30.3 min
30.4 min
College degree
54.9%
60.3%
Own their home
35.7%
38.2%
Below poverty line
16.6%
11.2%
Unemployment
6.1%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $186,610 | +76% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $132,000 | +69% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $113,700 | +54% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $147,480 | $219,080 | +49% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $146,760 | +44% in San Francisco |
| Physician Assistant | $142,410 | $184,380 | +29% in San Francisco |
| Pharmacist | $139,660 | $177,410 | +27% in San Francisco |
| Civil Engineer | $107,670 | $130,160 | +21% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Boston is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $3,112 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $64,072 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Boston or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $152,036 in San Francisco, 31% more in San Francisco.