Phoenix and Boston are two diverse cities with unique qualities. Phoenix, the capital city of Arizona, is known for its warm climate, scenic landscapes, and a growing zesty combination of cosmopolitan and Southwest culture. Boston, Massachusetts, on the other hand, is a historic city on the East Coast known for its top-notch educational institutions, thriving job market, and cultural richness with a hint of the old-age charm. This comparison provides a comprehensive analysis of these two cities based on crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, and several other important aspects.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Boston, MA : 2,291.0 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 148%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
Phoenix has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, especially for property crime, which is a point of concern for potential residents. Boston's crime rate is lower than that of Phoenix, but also higher than the national average. However, safety can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood in both cities. Tourists and residents alike should take common safety precautions, such as securing personal property and avoiding deserted areas at night.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 331 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Boston is 2,033 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Phoenix than that in Boston.
Cost of Living
Boston has a higher cost of living compared to Phoenix. Housing tends to be pricier in Boston due to its urban density and proximity to prestigious universities. Costs for goods and services in Boston also tend to be above the national average. Phoenix, in comparison, offers a more affordable cost of living, with housing costs well below those in Boston.
Income Tax
Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate, regardless of income, while Arizona has a progressive tax system, with rates increasing with income.
Property Tax
Boston has a higher property tax rate compared to Phoenix, which can contribute to the overall cost of owning property.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a higher total sales tax rate than Boston, considering both the state and city levels. Arizona's state sales taxes are also fundamentally higher than Massachusetts'.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$79,283
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$50,337
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
143.8
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $71,047 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix, located in a desert, features flat terrain and mountainous landscapes. Boston is a coastal city with hilly terrain, providing scenic waterfront views.
Boston is a hub of world-class educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. Boston's public schools also rank well nationally. Phoenix provides a range of education opportunities, from public and charter schools to universities. However, Boston's educational system tends to rank higher overall.
Phoenix boasts a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, finance and insurance, and manufacturing. The economy is robust with a steady growth rate. Boston, on the other hand, is known for its diverse and strong economy supported by industries such as healthcare, education, finance, and technology.
Biggest Employers
Phoenix's top employers are Banner Health System, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. Boston's biggest employers are Partners Healthcare, University of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts General Hospital.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
2020
50.2%
80.6%
48.0%
17.5%
1.8%
1.9%
2016
44.9%
78.5%
47.7%
16.1%
7.5%
5.4%
2012
43.6%
77.4%
54.3%
20.8%
2.1%
1.8%
2008
44.0%
76.9%
54.5%
21.2%
1.5%
1.8%
2004
42.4%
75.9%
57.0%
22.8%
0.6%
1.3%
2000
43.0%
71.5%
53.4%
20.5%
3.6%
8.0%
1996
44.5%
73.0%
47.2%
19.9%
8.2%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
46.1%
4.3%
12.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
0.6%
6.5%
6.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.0%
2.0%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.1%
1.5%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
2.0%
4.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.0%
1.3%
4.7%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.2%
0.6%
8.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
1.1%
1.0%
2.4%
Weather
Weather is a significant factor in differentiating these two cities. Phoenix is known for its intense heat in the summer, with temperatures easily exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters, however, are mild and sunny. On the other hand, Boston experiences all four seasons distinctly, with cold, snowy winters, and warm, pleasant summers. Fall is a tourist attraction as the city is renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
23.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
78%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
88.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
48%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Phoenix
Boston
Phoenix
Boston
2018
156
76
0.38
0.24
15.2
12.3
28.5
26.1
34.8
N/A
8.6
9.2
0.6
0.5
2017
120
83
0.41
0.26
15.9
12.5
28.6
26.4
34.9
N/A
7.6
8.9
1.4
0.6
2016
114
75
0.44
0.27
15.8
14.1
27.3
24.4
30.6
N/A
7.7
7.4
0.4
0.5
2015
102
81
0.46
0.30
17.6
15.7
27.1
23.4
26.2
N/A
7.9
8.9
0.9
0.8
2014
117
76
0.46
0.30
19.6
14.0
27.6
24.5
37.0
N/A
8.5
9.3
1.1
1.2
2013
130
86
0.43
0.30
19.9
13.5
27.9
26.2
35.3
N/A
8.4
9.8
0.9
1.3
2012
157
89
0.44
0.29
21.2
11.8
28.1
23.5
41.9
N/A
8.8
9.5
1.3
1.4
2011
203
87
0.47
0.30
20.0
14.8
28.3
24.2
41.3
N/A
9.6
10.5
0.9
1.6
2010
100
92
0.48
0.26
19.9
13.8
26.9
25.0
31.2
N/A
8.3
10.0
0.9
2.3
2009
108
86
0.52
0.32
20.1
15.3
25.6
23.5
38.2
N/A
N/A
9.7
1.8
2.4
2008
106
96
0.48
0.26
21.4
16.6
26.6
22.9
39.6
N/A
N/A
12.4
2.4
3.8
2007
129
124
0.54
0.28
23.5
18.5
25.2
19.9
47.6
N/A
N/A
13.9
2.4
4.0
2006
131
103
0.66
0.38
25.3
15.8
24.4
20.9
50.8
N/A
N/A
12.5
2.3
3.5
2005
109
115
0.74
0.28
25.9
17.0
22.2
22.1
44.6
N/A
N/A
12.7
2.5
4.3
2004
98
104
0.77
0.26
25.5
15.6
23.4
22.5
32.8
N/A
N/A
13.7
1.4
4.6
2003
101
116
0.90
0.55
26.8
20.1
23.7
22.4
42.6
N/A
N/A
14.5
1.4
5.2
2002
111
130
0.98
0.35
28.7
19.8
23.6
21.8
41.8
N/A
N/A
13.5
1.6
5.0
2001
106
112
1.00
0.44
28.6
19.9
22.3
20.7
37.8
N/A
N/A
13.6
1.5
5.9
2000
117
88
1.14
0.57
29.9
18.8
24.6
19.2
45.6
N/A
N/A
10.0
1.7
5.6
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
55.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
26.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
33%
Transportation
Phoenix offers public transit options including buses and a light rail system, but commuting by car is common. Boston, on the other hand, offers extensive public transit through buses, rail, and subway systems, and walking or biking is often feasible.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Amtrak stations
3
3
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
224
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Bicycle
0.4%
1.7%
Bus
1.8%
7.1%
Carpooled
12.2%
6.8%
Car alone
81.8%
54.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.2%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.5%
Streetcar
0%
13.5%
Subway
0%
3.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.4%
Walked
1.4%
10%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Average
28.6 min
38.6 min
Other means
26.4 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
38.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Phoenix's real estate prices are lower than those in Boston, which makes it an attractive city for homebuyers seeking affordability. Boston's real estate market, though pricier, is known for its high property values and investment potential.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix offers an array of neighborhoods with diverse lifestyle options, from downtown city living to suburban communities. Boston's neighborhoods each have their unique charm, from the historic feel of Beacon Hill to the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Back Bay.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Houses
644,625
307,025
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
14.6 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
271,941 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
94,497 (34.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
177,444 (65.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$2,632
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$1,040,328
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$659,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.4
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$683,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$639,493
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$745,440
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$986,433
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$117,668
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$793,380
Median house age
36
73
Renting percentage
42.4%
66.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
6,340.1
House value disparities
30.8%
23.5%
Household income disparities
43.9%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$138,364
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$97,179
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,250 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
7,686 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
67,144 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
218 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
9,540 (13.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Boston
One, detached
60.3%
12.0%
One, attached
4.9%
6.4%
Two
1.4%
11.9%
3 or 4
4.4%
24.1%
5 to 9
5.0%
11.2%
10 to 19
5.3%
7.2%
20 to 49
4.1%
8.0%
50 or more
11.3%
19.0%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
11,605
State government workers
30,385
12,810
Unpaid family workers
1,048
303
Industries and Occupations
The healthcare industry is Phoenix's largest employer, followed by finance and insurance, and manufacturing. The tourism industry also plays a major role in Phoenix's economy. In Boston, healthcare, education, and finance are the top industries contributing significantly to the city's economy. High-tech, bio-tech, and tourism are also important industries.
Phoenix boasts a top-rated health care system, with renowned healthcare institutions. Boston is also known for its world-class health care facilities and research institutions.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Boston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix's infrastructure has experienced significant growth over the years, with several ongoing construction and development projects. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. Boston's infrastructure is historically rich and consists of the oldest subway system in the U.S. The city is served by Logan International Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Boston
Hospitals
48
22
TV stations
22
22
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
263
146
Bank institutions located here
41
37
Main business address for public companies
41
60
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Boston
1999
5,846
1,237
2000
4,847
1,140
2001
3,823
947
2002
3,472
975
2003
5,750
1,536
2004
9,848
2,273
2005
15,879
3,225
2006
18,392
3,567
2007
9,797
2,652
2008
3,130
1,372
2009
1,614
910
Culture and Food
Phoenix is known for its Southwest culture, desert landscapes, and Mexican-influenced cuisine. Boston offers rich history, diverse culture, and famous culinary delights like New England clam chowder and Boston cream pie.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to teams like the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). Boston is known for its die-hard sports fans and successful teams, such as the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Celtics (NBA), and New England Patriots (NFL).
Phoenix, AZ
Boston, MA
Phoenix, AZ and 
Boston, MA : 2,291.0 miles
