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Boston vs Seattle for software engineers?
I'm weighing offers from companies in Boston and Seattle. Base salaries are similar, but I'm trying to figure out which city offers a better overall financial picture when you consider cost of living, especially housing. What are the typical income taxes in each state? How much can I expect to pay for a decent 1-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood close to tech hubs like Kendall Square or South Lake Union?
2 Answers
14
27d ago
Washington state has no income tax, which is a big plus. Massachusetts has a flat income tax around 5%. However, Boston housing is slightly less expensive than Seattle right now, particularly if you look outside of the immediate Kendall Square area. Consider neighborhoods like Cambridgeport or Somerville. South Lake Union is pricier than most Seattle areas. Factor in commute times as well; Boston's public transit can be frustrating but is improving. Both cities have similar costs for food and entertainment.
14
26d ago
Seattle is heavily weighted towards cloud computing (AWS, Azure) and e-commerce. Boston has a stronger presence in robotics, biotech, and more traditional software, plus a denser concentration of universities fueling AI research. Cost of living is brutal in both, but Seattle's income tax free status is notable. For outdoors, Seattle wins easily, but Boston isn't a slouch with New England nearby. Culture-wise, Boston can feel more academic and Seattle more corporate.