Boston vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Boston comes in at $684,900 — 48% higher than Austin, where the median is $461,500.
Typical households bring in $89,212 a year in Boston, versus $86,556 in Austin.
Median rent is $1,981 in Boston, compared with $1,549 in Austin.
Boston carries FEMA's Relatively Moderate hazard rating, compared with Relatively High for Austin.
| Metric | Boston, MA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 665,945 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $684,900 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $89,212 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $1,981 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively Moderate | Relatively High |
Austin, TX beats Boston, MA on both housing metrics we track — home value and rent — though this doesn't capture the full cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.