Median rent is 32% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $2,147/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $731,700. Households earn more in Boston ($97,344 vs $75,171 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 110.4 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boston, MA.
Cost of living verdict
Arlington is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.5 in Arlington vs 110.4 in Boston (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Boston, MA
How much would you need to earn in Boston, MA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Boston, MA
$80,783
You'd need $5,783 more (8% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Boston
Massachusetts
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Arlington — median rent of $1,470/mo versus $2,147/mo in Boston, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boston: the median home is $731,700 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boston has cleaner air on average: 31.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.5 vs 110.4).
Pick Boston if you prioritize higher median household income ($97,344/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,470/mo median).
Pick Boston if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 31.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Boston?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 110.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Boston?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $2,147/mo in Boston, MA. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Boston?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $97,344 in Boston, MA. Boston, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Boston, MA has better air quality on average: 31.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Boston?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Boston to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $107,711 in Boston, MA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
