Moving from Seattle to Boston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Seattle lifestyle in Boston, you'd need to earn:
$78,340/year
▲ $3,340 more than you make now
| Category | Seattle | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $78,340 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,849 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,857 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,136 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$3,917 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $59,581 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -2.6% in Boston
- Housing is -1.9% in Boston
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $3,750/year in taxes in Boston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~2,486 miles
DIY Truck
$5,000
Container
$8,500
Full-Service
$12,000
Salary Equivalents: Seattle to Boston
| Your Seattle Salary | Boston Equivalent | Difference | Boston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $41,494 | +$1,494 | $33,304 |
| $50,000 | $51,901 | +$1,901 | $41,146 |
| $60,000 | $62,309 | +$2,309 | $48,988 |
| $75,000 | $78,340 | +$3,340 | $59,581 |
| $100,000 | $104,598 | +$4,598 | $76,741 |
| $150,000 | $157,294 | +$7,294 | $110,399 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Seattle and Boston Compare
Housing (2% cheaper in Boston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Boston rents for $2,950/month compared to $1,937/month in Seattle. Median home prices: $825,000 in Boston vs $728,000 in Seattle.
Taxes
Washington has no state income tax. 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 $3,750/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Boston's overall cost of living is 2.6% lower than Seattle, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Seattle: 111.1, Boston: 108.3.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Seattle 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.
Compare Savings Rates →