Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Boston-Cambridge-Newton is 25% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,754/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley — saving $5,352/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boston-Cambridge-Newton | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,196 | $1,456 | $260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,409 | $1,848 | $439 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,754 | $2,200 | $446 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,044 | $2,832 | $788 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,555 | $3,149 | $594 |
| Median Income | $100,795 | $147,497 | $46,702 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton
- Studio
- $1,196/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,409/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,754/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,044/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,555/mo
- Median Income
- $100,795/yr
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
- Studio
- $1,456/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,848/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,200/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,832/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,149/mo
- Median Income
- $147,497/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton or San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley cheaper to rent in?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,754/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley. That's $446/mo or $5,352/year more expensive in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (25% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,754/month. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, a 2-bedroom FMR is $2,200/month.
How do incomes compare between Boston-Cambridge-Newton and San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
The median household income in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $100,795/year. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley it is $147,497/year. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,196/mo. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley it is $1,456/mo.