How Does Boston Compare to Other Major US Cities?

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and it has a long and storied history. It is also one of the wealthiest cities in the country. The cost of living in Boston is high, but it is also one of the most livable cities in the US. So how does Boston compare to other major US cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or San Francisco? Let’s take a look at what makes Boston unique and how it differs from other major US cities.

Population

The population of Boston is estimated at 696,819 people, according to 2020 estimates. This is slightly higher than that of most major U.S. cities, but it is dwarfed by the numbers in larger cities like New York and Los Angeles. In fact, if you measure population density, Boston is far lower at 12,459 people per square mile compared to New York’s 28,000 per square mile and Los Angeles’s 8,254 per square mile.Another important factor to consider is the age range of the population. Boston has a much younger population than most other major U.S. cities with a median age of 31.5 compared to 37.7 in New York and 34.9 in Los Angeles. So, for those looking for a younger crowd, Boston is the place to be.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Boston is notoriously high with the average apartment renting for around $3,000 per month and an average house selling for over $700,000. This is significantly higher than most other major U.S. cities including New York ($2,800 apartment, $400,000 house) and Los Angeles ($2,375 apartment, $630,000 house).For those looking to stretch their dollar further, one option might be to look outside of Boston proper. Suburbs such as Somerville, Brookline and Cambridge offer similar amenities as Boston with lower cost of living and more affordable housing options.

Diversity

Boston is known for its diversity and it has a large minority population. The city has a higher percentage of African Americans and Latinos than the national average at 24% and 14%, respectively. It is also home to a growing Latino population which has more than doubled since 1980 and now makes up about 14% of the city’s population. Boston also has a thriving immigrant population with over 300 languages spoken in the city. The city has strong ties to its Irish roots but is also becoming increasingly diverse with large communities from countries such as China, India and Brazil. Boston also ranks high in terms of LGBT acceptance and has been a leader on issues such as same-sex marriage and transgender rights.

Jobs

Boston is one of the top job markets in the country with nearly 3 million jobs in the area—more than 5% of total US jobs. The tech sector is booming in Boston with large tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Dell EMC and Google located within the city’s limits. There are also many universities located in Boston making it a great option for those looking for higher education jobs or research-related work. The median household income in Boston is $71,834 with an average salary of around $94,868. This is slightly higher than most other major US cities although it is lower than San Francisco’s $118,905 average salary.

Transportation

Boston has a very efficient public transportation system which includes the MBTA subway (also known as the “T”), buses and commuter rail lines. The T runs from 4:30am to 12:30am on weekdays and from 7:00am to 12:30am on weekends making it very accessible for commuters and travelers alike. Boston also has an extensive network of bike lanes making it very easy to get around by bike as well. In addition to public transportation, there are several companies offering ride-share services such as Lyft and Uber that make moving around Boston very easy and affordable.

Final Thoughts

Boston is a great city with a lot to offer including a vibrant cultural scene, great job opportunities and an efficient public transportation system. It is slightly more expensive than other major US cities but offers a more youthful vibe than many of its peers such as New York and Los Angeles. It also has a very diverse population that makes it a great option for those looking to experience different cultures within one city limits. Overall, Boston is a great city that offers its own unique flavor compared to other major US cities. If you’re looking for an exciting city with plenty to do, Boston may be the perfect choice for you! Visit the official tourism website for Boston for more information on what to see and do while visiting this amazing city!