Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 10.4% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 23% (148.4 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $67,934 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Austin | Boston vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 98.1 | +10.4% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 93.8 | +6.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 120.4 | +23.3% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 82.0 | +81.3% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 96.2 | +7.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 99.6 | +8.2% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Austin | $45,289 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Austin | $90,579 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Austin | $135,868 |
Related
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- Cost of living: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Austin, TX (2024)
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.