Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 108.3 in Boston, MA in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 0.6% more expensive than Boston; housing rents differ by 2% (151.1 vs 148.4). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $74,574 buys in Boston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Washington | Boston | Washington vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 108.3 | +0.6% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 99.7 | +5.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 148.4 | +1.8% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 148.8 | -28.3% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 103.6 | -1.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 107.7 | +6.5% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in Boston | $49,716 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in Boston | $99,432 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in Boston | $149,149 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.