Austin or Boston

Based on 2026 cost of living data, Austin is more affordable than Boston. Austin has a cost rating of 62/100, while Boston has a cost rating of 82/100.

In terms of safety, Boston ranks higher with a safety score of 78/100, compared to Austin at 82/100. Austin's safety score is 78/100 and Boston's safety score is 82/100.

Average rent in Austin is typically $1,900 per month, whereas typical rent in Boston averages $2,400 - $3,200 per month.

For Austin, the visa process is rated as: US Work Visas (Standard US H-1B, L-1, or O-1 pathways sponsored by booming tech employers.). For Boston, the process is rated as: World Top Academic, O-1 & Biotech Visas (Unrivaled H-1B, O-1 (extraordinary ability), J-1 research, and EB-1/EB-2 Green Card sponsorship across Harvard, MIT, and 1,000+ biotech firms.).