WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Boston, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Boston, MA vs Phoenix, AZ: cost of living on $120,000

Phoenix, AZ +$17,675/yr On $120,000, Boston, MA leaves $47,327/yr in pocket vs Phoenix, AZ's $65,002 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000Boston, MAPhoenix, AZ
Federal + FICA (est.)$29,580$29,580
State income tax$6,000 (5%)$3,000 (2.50%)
After-tax income$84,420$87,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)$37,093$22,418
Real money in pocket$47,327$65,002

· State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Boston, MA or Phoenix, AZ cheaper?
On $120,000, Phoenix, AZ — by $17,675/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?
State income tax (Massachusetts 5% vs Arizona 2.50%) and housing cost.

See also: FIRE in Boston, MA · salary to buy in Boston, MA · compare other cities →

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