Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 115.6 in San Francisco, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 6.4% less expensive than San Francisco; housing rents differ by 24% (148.4 vs 194.7). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $80,090 buys in San Francisco, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | San Francisco | Boston vs San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 115.6 | -6.4% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 108.5 | -8.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 194.7 | -23.8% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 172.6 | -13.8% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 106.2 | -2.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 119.1 | -9.5% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in San Francisco | $53,393 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in San Francisco | $106,786 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in San Francisco | $160,179 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.