Moving from St. Louis to Boston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your St. Louis lifestyle in Boston, you'd need to earn:
$85,394/year
▲ $10,394 more than you make now
| Category | St. Louis | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $85,394 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$10,401 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$5,294 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,238 |
| State Tax | -$3,349 | -$4,270 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,799 | $64,191 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +13.9% in Boston
- Housing is +87.8% in Boston
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $401/year in taxes in Boston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,036 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: St. Louis to Boston
| Your St. Louis Salary | Boston Equivalent | Difference | Boston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $45,543 | +$5,543 | $36,355 |
| $50,000 | $56,929 | +$6,929 | $44,935 |
| $60,000 | $68,315 | +$8,315 | $53,030 |
| $75,000 | $85,394 | +$10,394 | $64,191 |
| $100,000 | $113,859 | +$13,859 | $82,793 |
| $150,000 | $170,788 | +$20,788 | $118,947 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How St. Louis and Boston Compare
Housing (88% more expensive in Boston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Boston rents for $2,950/month compared to $990/month in St. Louis. Median home prices: $825,000 in Boston vs $235,000 in St. Louis.
Taxes
Missouri has a progressive state income tax from 0.0% to 4.7%. 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 $401/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Boston's overall cost of living is 13.9% higher than St. Louis, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).St. Louis: 95.1, Boston: 108.3.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your St. Louis to Boston move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
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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