Boston vs New York: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Boston's median home value is $684,900 — 6% lower than New York's $732,100.
Median household income is $89,212 in Boston versus $76,607 in New York.
Typical rent runs $1,981 in Boston and $1,714 in New York.
| Metric | Boston, MA | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 665,945 | 8,622,467 |
| Median home value | $684,900 | $732,100 |
| Median household income | $89,212 | $76,607 |
| Median gross rent | $1,981 | $1,714 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively Moderate | Relatively High |
Housing costs are mixed: Boston, MA has the lower median home value while New York, NY has lower median rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.