I lived in Mass for 6 years ( thats how I became Red Sox fan watching NESN) near Boston and I live in NYC from 2001( been to Cleveland for 2 years in between).
Both of them are different and I love both cities. People can be little rude in both cities - but both have life. NYC is no doubt more demanding and fast paced. I would prefer NYC because for my career( Financial IT) - paychecks are way better than Boston. I know how selfish that sounds - but I am trying to be honest.