California vs Massachusetts Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$52,411
in California
$50,505
in Massachusetts
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | California | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 199.4 | 221.0 | -10% |
| Groceries | 109.3 | 102.7 | +6% |
| Utilities | 140.5 | 154.8 | -9% |
| Transportation | 136.8 | 105.2 | +30% |
| Healthcare | 104.2 | 134.2 | -22% |
| Dining & Misc | 116.6 | 116.8 | 0% |
| Overall | 143.1 | 148.5 | -4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in California.
What things actually cost
| Item | California | Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $785,000 | $620,000 | +$165,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $2,792/mo | $3,094/mo | $302 |
| Gas price | $5.29/gal | $3.41/gal | +$1.88 |
| Electric bill | $240/mo | $212/mo | +$27 |
| Infant childcare | $21,945/yr | $26,709/yr | $4,764 |
Salary equivalent: California → Massachusetts
What a California salary buys you in Massachusetts, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in California | Equivalent in Massachusetts | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,887 | $-1,887 |
| $75,000 | $77,830 | $-2,830 |
| $100,000 | $103,774 | $-3,774 |
| $150,000 | $155,660 | $-5,660 |
| $200,000 | $207,547 | $-7,547 |
Positive = your money goes further in Massachusetts. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Massachusetts is 4% more expensive than California overall. Massachusetts has an index of 148.5 vs 143.1 for California (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in California or Massachusetts?
California is cheaper to live in. Massachusetts is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $785,000 in California vs $620,000 in Massachusetts.
Is California cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes, California is 4% cheaper than Massachusetts overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than California?
Yes, Massachusetts is 4% more expensive than California based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Massachusetts equals $100,000 in California?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in California, you would need approximately $103,774 in Massachusetts. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (143.1 vs 148.5).
How do housing costs compare between California and Massachusetts?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Massachusetts. Median home prices are $785,000 in California vs $620,000 in Massachusetts — a $165,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $2,792/mo vs $3,094/mo.
What costs more in California vs Massachusetts?
Transportation is 30% higher in California (index 136.8 vs 105.2). Healthcare is 22% lower in California (index 104.2 vs 134.2). Housing is 10% lower in California (index 199.4 vs 221).
Is gas cheaper in California or Massachusetts?
Gas averages $5.29/gallon in California and $3.41/gallon in Massachusetts — a $1.88 difference per gallon.
California vs Massachusetts cost of living — how do they compare?
California has an overall cost-of-living index of 143.1 and Massachusetts has 148.5 (national average = 100). Massachusetts is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the California vs Massachusetts paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- California Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Massachusetts Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- California vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in California — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Massachusetts — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.