Boston vs Toronto for Software Engineers (2026)
The HackerX talent pool has 2,076 developers in Boston and 3,393 developers in Toronto. Compare developer supply, in-demand stacks, estimated salary bands, cost of living and upcoming HackerX hiring events below.
Boston
| Junior (0–2 yrs) | $95K – $125K |
| Mid-level (2–5 yrs) | $120K – $155K |
| Senior (5–8 yrs) | $150K – $200K |
| Staff+ (8+ yrs) | $190K – $260K |
Salary figures are 2026 market estimates, not HackerX data. See the Boston salary guide.
Toronto
| Junior (0–2 yrs) | C$70K – C$95K |
| Mid-level (2–5 yrs) | C$95K – C$125K |
| Senior (5–8 yrs) | C$120K – C$160K |
| Staff+ (8+ yrs) | C$150K – C$200K |
Salary figures are 2026 market estimates, not HackerX data. See the Toronto salary guide.
Cost of living & pay, side by side
Cost of living in Boston is roughly 20% higher than in Toronto (estimated cost-of-living index Boston 84 vs Toronto 70, where New York = 100). These are estimates for guidance only.
Boston: Boston pays about 10–20% below San Francisco but above most US metros, with biotech and robotics roles often commanding a premium.
Toronto: Toronto is Canada's highest-paying tech market. US companies hiring in Toronto often pay 20–40% above local bands, narrowing the gap with US hubs.
Ready to make a move?
Developers: create a free HackerX profile and get invited to hiring events. Employers: meet vetted engineers in these cities.