Kept

City vs city

Boston vs San Jose

$100,000 in Boston buys a lifestyle closer to $114,000 in San Jose, because San Jose's cost-of-living index is 172 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

San Jose

The heart of Silicon Valley. Home prices are among the highest in the country.

COL index
172
Typical 1-bed
$2,900/mo
Comfortable salary
$146,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Jose guide

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