Boston vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Boston's median home value is $684,900 — 22% lower than Seattle's $879,900.
Median household income is $89,212 in Boston versus $116,068 in Seattle.
Typical rent runs $1,981 in Boston and $1,945 in Seattle.
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 665,945 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $684,900 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $89,212 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $1,981 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively Moderate | Very High |
Housing costs are mixed: Boston, MA has the lower median home value while Seattle, WA 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.