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:
$69,786/year
▼ $5,214 less than you make now
| Category | San Francisco | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $69,786 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$6,967 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,327 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,012 |
| State Tax | -$3,517 | -$3,489 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,631 | $53,991 |
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 | $38,562 | -$1,438 | $31,095 |
| $50,000 | $47,775 | -$2,225 | $38,037 |
| $60,000 | $56,925 | -$3,075 | $44,931 |
| $75,000 | $69,786 | -$5,214 | $53,991 |
| $100,000 | $91,618 | -$8,382 | $68,258 |
| $150,000 | $134,984 | -$15,016 | $96,265 |
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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