Quick answer
Overall prices in the Los Angeles, CA metro were 113.6 vs 108.3 in Boston, MA in 2024 (US = 100), so Los Angeles is 4.9% more expensive than Boston; housing rents differ by 15% (170.4 vs 148.4). A $75,000 income in Los Angeles buys about what $71,500 buys in Boston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Los Angeles | Boston | Los Angeles vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 113.6 | 108.3 | +4.9% |
| Goods | 106.6 | 99.7 | +7.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 170.4 | 148.4 | +14.8% |
| Utilities | 158.6 | 148.8 | +6.6% |
| Other services | 104.4 | 103.6 | +0.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.3 | 107.7 | +5.2% |
| $50,000 in Los Angeles equals in Boston | $47,667 | ||
| $100,000 in Los Angeles equals in Boston | $95,333 | ||
| $150,000 in Los Angeles equals in Boston | $143,000 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.