Quick answer
Overall prices in the New York, NY metro were 112.6 vs 108.3 in Boston, MA in 2024 (US = 100), so New York is 4.0% more expensive than Boston; housing rents differ by 0% (148.6 vs 148.4). A $75,000 income in New York buys about what $72,137 buys in Boston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | New York | Boston | New York vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 112.6 | 108.3 | +4.0% |
| Goods | 110.3 | 99.7 | +10.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.6 | 148.4 | +0.1% |
| Utilities | 127.0 | 148.8 | -14.6% |
| Other services | 105.8 | 103.6 | +2.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.5 | 107.7 | +5.4% |
| $50,000 in New York equals in Boston | $48,091 | ||
| $100,000 in New York equals in Boston | $96,183 | ||
| $150,000 in New York equals in Boston | $144,274 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.