Cost of Living in Boston, MA
Boston's cost of living index is 152 — making it 34.2% more expensive than the US national average. To maintain your current standard of living here, you would need to earn $152,000 for every $100,000 of national-average income.
The Boston Tax & Cost Impact
Boston offers a balanced tax profile. While Massachusetts does have an income tax, it remains competitive compared to coastal hubs, especially when adjusted for local housing costs.
Decision Matrix
- ✓Housing: Expect a major "Housing Premium" here.
- ✓Savings Rate: To save $2,000/mo here, you need a gross household income of ~$127,680.
COL Index
152
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$7,600
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.7M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
Massachusetts
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Boston vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Boston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $2,937 | +$1,287 |
| Groceries | $650 | $920 | +$270 |
| Transportation | $800 | $1,174 | +$374 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $546 | +$146 |
| Utilities | $300 | $456 | +$156 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,699 | +$499 |
| Total | $5,000 | $7,600 | +$2,600 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Boston, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$76,000
$75,000 nationally
$114,000
$100,000 nationally
$152,000
$150,000 nationally
$228,000
What Your Salary Gets You in Boston
Here's how different salary levels translate to monthly purchasing power in Boston, MA, where the cost of living is 52% above the national average.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
FAQ: Cost of Living in Boston
Is Boston expensive to live in?
Boston's cost of living index is 152, which is significantly above the national average of 100. Housing is typically the biggest factor, with estimated monthly rent around $2,508.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Boston?
To maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Boston, you'd need approximately $114,000 per year, which is equivalent to a $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living.
How does Boston compare to other cities?
Boston is comparable in cost to Washington, San Diego, Los Angeles. More affordable alternatives include Portland, Denver, Miami.