Cost of Living in Brookline, MA
Population 62,822 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in Brookline cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.2 million, roughly 4 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.
Geographically, Brookline is part of the immediate Cambridge metro area. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brookline
The median home value in Brookline is $1,233,100 — 304% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,804/month, 113% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,631/year is 89% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. Overall, Brookline has a cost of living index of 328 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 228% 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
💨 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 Brookline, MA?
Brookline has a cost index of 328 (100 = national average). It is 228% above the national average.
What is average rent in Brookline, MA?
The median gross rent in Brookline is $2,804 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brookline?
The median home value in Brookline is $1,233,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brookline?
The median household income in Brookline is $140,631 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brookline, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brookline is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Brookline, MA affordable?
Brookline is above average in cost of living, with an index of 328 — about 228% higher than the national average.
Brookline at a Glance
- Population
- 62,822
- Median Income
- $140,631
- Home Value
- $1,233,100
- Median Rent
- $2,804/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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