A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Boston, MA and Phoenix, AZ.
MA
Population: 654,776
AZ
Population: 1,650,070
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Boston, MA | Phoenix, AZ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 155 | 100 | +55.0% |
| Median Home Price | $650,000 | $380,000 | +71.1% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.04% | 0.62% | +67.7% |
| Median Household Income | $81,744 | $62,055 | +31.7% |
| Population | 654,776 | 1,650,070 | -60.3% |
Phoenix, AZ is 55.0% cheaper to live in than Boston, MA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$270,000
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper by 71.1%
Income Difference
$19,689
Boston, MA earns more by 31.7%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Boston, MA
8.0x
$650,000 / $81,744
Phoenix, AZ
6.1x
$380,000 / $62,055
Overall, Phoenix, AZ is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 100 compared to 155, a median home price of $380,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 6.1x, Phoenix, AZ offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Boston, MA ($81,744) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.