Cost of Living in Boston, MA
Population 666,442 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Boston, MA is $2,147/month, 22% higher than the Massachusetts median and 52% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $731,700, 120% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $97,344 a year, 6% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Boston vs. Massachusetts vs. U.S.
| Boston | Massachusetts | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $2,147 | $1,762 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $731,700 | $562,100 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $97,344 | $103,960 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 35.7% | 62.5% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 54.9% | 47.3% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 16.6% | 10.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 5.2% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 21.3% | 18.6% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 33.3 | 40.0 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Boston, MA?
The median gross rent in Boston, MA is $2,147 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Boston, MA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $85,880 a year in gross income.
Is Boston, MA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 52% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 7.5 times the median household income.
Other cities in Massachusetts
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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