Question 1

Is Arlington or Boston cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Arlington, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $2,012/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 $72,000/year before tax in Arlington, TX and $122,000/year in Boston, MA — a difference of about $50,000. 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. A four-person household runs about $7,857/month in Arlington and $10,978/month in Boston, with rent scaled to household size using each city's own bedroom spread.

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	Arlington73	Boston51
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,111	$6,123
Est. monthly cost (household of 4)	$7,857	$10,978
Salary for comfort	$72,000/yr	$122,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,723	$2,941
Median home value	$276,400	$710,400
Median household income	$73,519	$94,755
Unemployment	4.1%	4.1%
Housing score	60	10
Jobs score	58	32
Safety score	65	86
Climate score	96	86
Amenities score	73	70
Population	394.8K	664K
Summer high / winter low	94° / 35°	81° / 22°

Arlington, TX vs Boston, MA