Question 1

Is Arlington or Boston cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $939/month less than in Boston, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,723/mo in Arlington versus $2,941/mo in Boston.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Boston?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $75,500/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $101,500/year in Boston, MA — a difference of about $26,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Boston cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $10,055/month in Arlington and $12,728/month in Boston, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Boston?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Arlington costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington71	Boston58
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,277	$5,216
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$10,055	$12,728
Salary for comfort	$75,500/yr	$101,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$2,941
Median home value	$276,400	$710,400
Median household income	$73,519	$94,755
Unemployment	4.7%	4.2%
Housing score	57	8
Jobs score	51	50
Safety score	65	86
Climate score	94	85
Amenities score	73	70
Population	394.8K	664K
Summer high / winter low	95° / 36°	81° / 22°

Arlington, TX vs Boston, MA