Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 110.4 in San Jose, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 2.0% less expensive than San Jose; housing rents differ by 30% (148.4 vs 211.9). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $76,494 buys in San Jose, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | San Jose | Boston vs San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 110.4 | -2.0% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 105.2 | -5.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 211.9 | -30.0% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 156.7 | -5.0% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 100.3 | +3.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 119.3 | -9.7% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in San Jose | $50,996 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in San Jose | $101,992 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in San Jose | $152,988 |
Related
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs San Antonio, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs San Francisco, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs Boston, MA (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.