According to Nerdwallet, you will need $208,166 in Boston dollars to make the equivalent of $115,000.

Cost of living is going to be highly variable based on the area. Your mortgage is $900, which in most cases less than the cost of a bedroom in a shared apartment with roommates. And an average studio apartment in Boston is around $2,100 right now.

Lexington will be cheaper, since it's about 15 miles out. But be prepared for sticker shock and significantly reduced space. Expect $2,000-$2,500 for a 1 bedroom in that area.

Everything will be more expensive. Food, car insurance, utilities, etc. Remember that we have winter here - so you'll need to purchase winter gear as well.

I would recommend living and working on the same side of the Charles River. My top recommendation for you would be Medford. It's very safe, has a walkable town center with plenty to do and great food. You can reasonably own a car (I recommend only having one car between you and your partner) - and the drive to Lexington is less than a half hour. There is an Orange Line T-Station to get you in and out of Boston proper for fun & games without having to deal with parking.

If you want something more urban & exciting, Somerville is great - particularly Davis Square. Some great nightlife, music & arts, hipster bars & restaurants, and Red Line access to get you into Cambridge & Boston for additional fun. Plus, only about a half-hour to Lexington by car.

If these places are too expensive and subway access isn't important to you, then look at Lexington itself, Belmont, or Waltham. Go West of Lexington for more rural.