Austin vs Boston

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $124,584 in Boston.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $124,584 in Boston. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 78%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Boston

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
high
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$2,476/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MA tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,278
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Boston's dense transit makes car-free remote work viable. Remote workers should weigh housing costs carefully — the metro's premium reflects in-person employment demand more than remote worker value.
Walk Score
42
 
83
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Boston
Income Reality Check

Your details stay on your device. Sharing generates an image only.

Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Boston each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

Related comparisons

Austin vs DenverAustin vs DallasAustin vs Nashville
Austin profile Boston profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Austin vs Boston — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Boston?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $2,476/mo in Boston. Austin has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Boston to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $124,584 in Boston — a gain of about 78% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Boston?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Boston is in MA (MA levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.