Los Angeles, CA vs Boston, MA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Los Angeles and Boston are closely matched markets (homes within 19% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences. State income-tax burden also tilts toward Boston — a top rate of 9.0% versus 13.3% — which compounds at higher incomes.
Median Home Value
$879,500
$710,400 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$941,985
$768,701
Median Gross Rent
$1,879/mo ✓
$2,093/mo
Owner Occupied %
36.3%
35.4%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.0x
28.3x
Median Household Income
$80,366
$94,755 ✓
Per Capita Income
$46,270
$60,001
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.0% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.6%
16.9%
Avg Commute (min)
34.1 min
33.2 min
Drove Alone %
61.4%
34.1%
Public Transit %
6.7%
24.0%
Work From Home %
17.3%
18.8%
State Income Tax
13.3%
9.0%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
6.3% ✓
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
1.2%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.5%
28.5%
Median Age
36.9
33.2
Avg High Temp
70.4°F
59.3°F
Annual Precipitation
13.4"
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
—
49.2"
Los Angeles, CA 1 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
Boston, MA 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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