Cost of Living in Burlington, MA
Population 26,223 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Burlington sits 123% above the national median — $679,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $142,207 (91% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Geographically, Burlington sits roughly 10 miles northwest of Cambridge. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Burlington
The median home value in Burlington is $679,400 — 123% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,597/month, 98% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $142,207/year is 91% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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, Burlington has a cost of living index of 213 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 113% 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 Burlington, MA?
Burlington has a cost index of 213 (100 = national average). It is 113% above the national average.
What is average rent in Burlington, MA?
The median gross rent in Burlington is $2,597 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington is $679,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington is $142,207 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Burlington, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Burlington is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Burlington, MA affordable?
Burlington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 213 — about 113% higher than the national average.
Burlington at a Glance
- Population
- 26,223
- Median Income
- $142,207
- Home Value
- $679,400
- Median Rent
- $2,597/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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