Boston vs New York City: is one better than the other?
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New York is significantly more extensive and offers a broader range of opportunities compared to Boston, which is smaller in size and population and has a more homogeneous culture.Let’s compare New York City and Boston to see which city performs better in each category.
Cost of Living
Boston is slightly cheaper than New York City, but not by much. The Big Apple is the most expensive city in the US, followed by San Francisco in California and Honolulu.
Regarding the cost of living, NYC is significantly more expensive than the national average, with a 129% increase. On the other hand, Boston’s cost of living is only about 48% higher than the national average.
Housing, groceries, and transportation are significantly more expensive in NYC than in Boston. However, Boston has a New York beat regarding healthcare and utility costs.
Museums and Historical Sites: Which One Is Better?
New York City and Boston have memorable and historical sites, but NYC leads this category. The Museum Mile in New York has one of the world’s most concentrated art displays, showcasing a rich history.
There are several skyscrapers in the United States, one of which is the SF Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Boston also boasts numerous museums and historical sites that showcase its rich history. While it may not be as grand as New York City, it has its unique charm.
Notable places include the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Harvard University, the USS Constitution Museum, the Old State House, and the Commonwealth Museum.
Housing Prices and Rental Costs
Did you know that the cost of renting in New York is 30% higher than in Boston? The average rental price in New York is $3,515, $2,716 in Boston, and $1,681 is the US average. If you’re looking for a studio apartment, you can expect to pay around $2,402 in New York, $1,652 in Boston, and $949 on average in the US. This trend also extends to housing prices, with New York being the most expensive, followed by Boston, and then the US average.
A home in the US is an average of $291,700. However, in Boston, the average price is $667,000; in New York, it is $1,144,100. Additionally, the average age of homes in New York is approximately 13% younger than those in Boston. This could be one of the reasons for the higher cost of housing in New York, among other factors.
Weather
Boston and New York are two coastal cities located in the Northeast region of the United States that experience a comparable climate.
Although New York is located further south, it generally experiences slightly warmer winters than Boston. Both cities experience pleasant falls and springs, but winters are cold, and summers can be scorching.
However, the summers in both places are comparable. Boston tends to have colder winters with more snowfall than New York, which averages about 25 inches of snowfall per year. In contrast, Boston averages around 48 inches of snowfall per year. In January, the average low point for a night in New York is 26 degrees Fahrenheit, while in Boston, it is 19.
Public Transportation
New York City boasts one of the finest public transportation systems in the nation. It is the only transportation network worldwide that operates 24/7, and it can transport you to almost any location in the city at a single, flat fare.
Meanwhile, Boston’s public transportation system is also speedy and practical, offering a great blend of buses, subways (also known as the T), commuter rails, and ferries. However, getting around Boston can be challenging due to its vast size. Additionally, most Boston trains stop running by 1 a.m. and do not resume service until 5 a.m.
Job Opportunities
When it comes to job opportunities, New York outshines Boston. New York boasts of a varied job market that includes financial services, healthcare, retail, technology, and education.
On the other hand, the economy of Boston is more focused on healthcare, finance, and higher education.
New York is known as the land of opportunities, and even though the job market can be competitive, a person with the proper skill set can find a high-level position in any field. While Boston also offers well-paying jobs, it doesn’t provide as much variability or as many opportunities as New York.
Cuisine and Lifestyle
When it comes to food, New York is the clear winner. While Boston has its fair share of unique local restaurants, New York’s culinary scene is world-famous and boasts some of the best
restaurants in the world. Additionally, New York offers diverse dishes from around the globe.
Conversely, Boston has a more laidback, family-oriented lifestyle that appeals to many residents. New York is known for its work-oriented atmosphere and round-the-clock entertainment, including nightclubs and karaoke bars, among many other options. While NYC offers more action and excitement, it may not fit everyone perfectly.
Crime Rates
Both cities are safe for their size. However, Boston has a slightly higher crime rate than New York. According to the Best Places index, Boston scored 37.3 out of 100 for violent crime and 35.8 for property crime, while New York scored 28.2 for violent crime and 24.9 for property crime.
It’s important to mention that the national average for violent crime is 22.7, whereas property crime is 35.4.
Although these cities are considered walkable, they are still major urban areas. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the NYPD is one of the most well-funded police forces in the country, which contributes to maintaining low crime rates across all categories.
City Culture
Both New York and Boston have unique cultures that appeal to different groups of people. New York is famously known as the city that never sleeps and is renowned for its work hard, play hard mentality, which often involves long work hours and busy weekends. On the other hand, Boston has a more academic atmosphere, with numerous prestigious universities in the city.
While Boston still has a lively bar scene, it doesn’t have the same energy level as New York.
NYC is an excellent choice for those seeking excitement, diversity, and opportunities to advance their careers. Conversely, Boston is ideal for individuals who desire big-city amenities but don’t want as much round-the-clock action as New York.
Commute Times
Boston residents enjoy slightly shorter commute times than New Yorkers. On average, a Boston commuter takes 30 minutes to work, while a New York commuter takes about 41 minutes. Although both cities experience traffic congestion, New York has more of it.
Therefore, most New York commuters opt for mass transit. In Boston, however, people drive, walk, or take mass transit.
It’s important to mention that there’s a 19% higher number of employees who work from home in New York (remote work) than in Boston.
Quality of Life Index
Boston has been ranked higher than New York City in terms of quality of life, according to the index created by Numbeo. This index considers various factors such as crime statistics, healthcare quality, climate, cost of living, property prices relative to income, and traffic and pollution levels.
With a score of 175.95, Boston has a very high rating, while New York has a moderate rating of 138.9. Life in New York City is intense, and people work more
The most significant aspect that impacts the standard of living in New York City is the cost of housing and the average income.
Conclusion
Both cities have much to offer in terms of culture and opportunities for residents. However, New York surpasses Boston in several crucial categories, such as cultural attractions, employment opportunities, and an unparalleled, vibrant energy.
Nonetheless, it is also more costly and crowded than Boston. Boston may be a better fit for people who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle as it provides many of New York’s benefits without some drawbacks. Nevertheless, regarding action and excitement, New York emerges as the clear victor.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
