Boston or Los Angeles

Based on 2026 cost of living data, Los Angeles is more affordable than Boston. Boston has a cost rating of 82/100, while Los Angeles has a cost rating of 35/100.

In terms of safety, Boston ranks higher with a safety score of 82/100, compared to Los Angeles at 65/100. Boston's safety score is 82/100 and Los Angeles's safety score is 65/100.

Average rent in Boston is typically $2,400 - $3,200 per month, whereas typical rent in Los Angeles averages $4,500+ per month.

For Boston, the visa 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.). For Los Angeles, the process is rated as: Hard (Standard US visas (H1B, O1, L1) are notoriously difficult and require sponsorship.).