salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Washington to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$2,370
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$2,192
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$118,495
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$737,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
108.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$4,312
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$96
👥 People living there
666,442
681,294
Commute to work
30.3 min
30 min
College degree
54.9%
64.2%
Own their home
35.7%
41.5%
Below poverty line
16.6%
15.4%
Unemployment
6.1%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for cheaper homes, lower unemployment.
- Pick Washington for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $96,760 | $71,860 | -26% in Washington |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | $60,800 | -19% in Washington |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $79,470 | -19% in Washington |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $46,040 | +17% in Washington |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $156,460 | +17% in Washington |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $119,170 | +17% in Washington |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $87,160 | -15% in Washington |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $66,980 | -9% in Washington |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Washington cheaper to live in?
Boston and Washington cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Washington to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $60,342 a year gives the same standard of living in Washington.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Washington?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $118,495 in Washington, 11% more in Washington.