City Comparison · 2026
Boston vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Boston = $58k in Phoenix
Metric
Boston
Phoenix
COL Index
1.93
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,900/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$3,700/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
MA
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$73,736
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
26.26%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$38,936
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Boston MA | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,248 $3,937/mo · 21.25% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,736 $6,145/mo · 26.26% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,778 $8,815/mo · 29.48% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Boston has a cost-of-living index of 1.93 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Boston is $2,900/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Boston vs Phoenix?
$100k in Boston = $58k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 42%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Boston or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,736 in MA (Boston) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $38,936 in Boston vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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