Kept

City vs city

Boston vs Oakland

$100,000 in Boston buys a lifestyle closer to $101,000 in Oakland, because Oakland's cost-of-living index is 152 versus 151.

Boston

Education, hospitals, and biotech keep wages and rents high.

COL index
151
Typical 1-bed
$2,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$128,000
$100k take-home
$74,400
Full Boston guide

Oakland

A relatively cheaper East Bay alternative to San Francisco, still well above US average costs.

COL index
152
Typical 1-bed
$2,300/mo
Comfortable salary
$129,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full Oakland guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego