55
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Boston wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Boston wins 0–2 overall (57/100)
💰 Boston is more affordable
💼 New York has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Boston — The Verdict
Boston scores 57/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Boston edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, New York has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Boston are 6% lower — a difference of $47,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in New York saves you $267/month — that's $3,204 per year.
💵
Households in Boston earn $12,605 more per year (16% higher median income).
🛡️
New York has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$684,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,981
Median Income
$76,607
$89,212
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 6% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.8%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
9
18
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
New York has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from New York to Boston: Common Questions
Is New York or Boston cheaper to live in?
Boston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $47,200 lower in Boston. Monthly rent is $1,714 in New York vs $1,981 in Boston.
Does New York or Boston have better weather?
Boston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Boston better for finding a job?
New York currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 4.8% in Boston. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $89,212 in Boston.
Which city is safer — New York or Boston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 18 in Boston. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Boston.
Should I move from New York to Boston?
Based on our data, Boston scores 57.0/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Boston is more affordable, while Boston has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.