Cost of Living in Boston, MA
Population 663,972 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Boston sits 133% above the national median — $710,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $94,755 (27% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Boston
The median home value in Boston is $710,400 — 133% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,093/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,755/year is 27% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 59.3°F and lows of 44.5°F, with about 49.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Boston has a cost of living index of 203 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 103% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 39 | 46 | 56 | 67 | 76 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 62 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 23 | 25 | 31 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 48 | 38 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.39 | 3.21 | 4.17 | 3.63 | 3.25 | 3.89 | 3.27 | 3.23 | 3.56 | 4.03 | 3.66 | 4.30 |
| Snow" | 14.3 | 14.4 | 9.0 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 9.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA?
Boston has a cost index of 203 (100 = national average). It is 103% above the national average.
What is average rent in Boston, MA?
The median gross rent in Boston is $2,093 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Boston?
The median home value in Boston is $710,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Boston?
The median household income in Boston is $94,755 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Boston, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Boston is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Boston, MA affordable?
Boston is above average in cost of living, with an index of 203 — about 103% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Boston?
Boston has average high temperatures of 59.3°F and average lows of 44.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Average annual snowfall is 49.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Boston at a Glance
- Population
- 663,972
- Median Income
- $94,755
- Home Value
- $710,400
- Median Rent
- $2,093/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Compare Boston
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs