Moving from San Francisco to Boston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your San Francisco lifestyle in Boston, you'd need to earn:
$70,242/year
▼ $4,758 less than you make now
| Category | San Francisco | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $70,242 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,067 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,355 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,019 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,512 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $54,289 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -6.3% in Boston
- Housing is -23.8% in Boston
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $233/year in taxes in Boston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~2,693 miles
DIY Truck
$5,000
Container
$8,500
Full-Service
$12,000
Salary Equivalents: San Francisco to Boston
| Your San Francisco Salary | Boston Equivalent | Difference | Boston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $37,462 | -$2,538 | $30,266 |
| $50,000 | $46,828 | -$3,172 | $37,323 |
| $60,000 | $56,193 | -$3,807 | $44,380 |
| $75,000 | $70,242 | -$4,758 | $54,289 |
| $100,000 | $93,656 | -$6,344 | $69,590 |
| $150,000 | $140,484 | -$9,516 | $99,750 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How San Francisco and Boston Compare
Housing (24% cheaper in Boston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Boston rents for $2,950/month compared to $3,657/month in San Francisco. Median home prices: $825,000 in Boston vs $1,181,000 in San Francisco.
Taxes
California has a progressive state income tax from 1.0% to 13.3%. Massachusetts has a progressive state income tax from 5.0% to 9.0%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Boston would cost you about $233/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Boston's overall cost of living is 6.3% lower than San Francisco, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).San Francisco: 115.6, Boston: 108.3.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your San Francisco to Boston move. Average cost: $5,000–$12,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Boston
Average 1BR rent in Boston: $2,950/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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