Boston, MA vs. Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Side-by-side comparison of Boston and Phoenix, built from Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 estimates.
The numbers
| Measure | Boston, MA | Phoenix, AZ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 666,442 | 1,642,323 | +146.4% |
| Median household income | $97,344 | $81,332 | -16.4% |
| Median gross rent (monthly) | $2,147 | $1,582 | -26.3% |
| Median home value | $731,700 | $420,700 | -42.5% |
Difference is Phoenix, AZ relative to Boston, MA.
Purchasing power
Using state-level price parities (BEA RPP 2024: Massachusetts 105.8, Arizona 100.7, U.S. = 100), a $100,000 salary in Boston, MA buys about as much as $95,197 in Phoenix, AZ.
State-level price index; city prices within a state vary. See methodology.
Housing affordability
| Measure | Boston, MA | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Salary needed for median rent (30% rule) | $85,880 | $63,280 |
| Rent burden at local median income | 26.5% | 23.3% |
| Est. affordable home price at median income | $355,105 | $296,694 |
Home price assumes 6.67% 30-yr rate (FRED, 2026-08), 20% down, 28% front-end DTI, 1.5%/yr taxes+insurance. Not financial advice.
Full city profiles
About this data
- American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates — data period 2020-2024, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Regional Price Parities — data period 2024, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Federal Reserve Economic Data — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 13, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.