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Cost of Living in Brookline, MA

Population 63,266 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$2,835
Median home value$1,246,800
Median household income$142,101

The median rent in Brookline, MA is $2,835/month, 61% higher than the Massachusetts median and 101% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $1,246,800, 275% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $142,101 a year, 37% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 23.9%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $113,400/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 8.8×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $6,304/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Brookline vs. Massachusetts vs. U.S.

BrooklineMassachusettsU.S.
Median rent$2,835$1,762$1,413
Median home value$1,246,800$562,100$332,700
Median household income$142,101$103,960$80,734
Homeownership rate46.9%62.5%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher85.4%47.3%35.7%
Poverty rate8.7%10.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate3.6%5.2%5.2%
Work from home30.1%18.6%15.1%
Median age35.240.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Brookline, MA?

The median gross rent in Brookline, MA is $2,835 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Brookline, MA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $113,400 a year in gross income.

Is Brookline, MA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 101% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 8.8 times the median household income.

Other cities in Massachusetts

Boston, MARent $2,147 · Income $97,344Worcester, MARent $1,487 · Income $70,102Springfield, MARent $1,144 · Income $52,656Cambridge, MARent $2,787 · Income $130,748Lowell, MARent $1,625 · Income $78,658Brockton, MARent $1,641 · Income $80,115

Cities with a similar cost of living

Aliso Viejo, CARent $2,854 · Income $142,439Carlsbad, CARent $2,808 · Income $142,748Weston, FLRent $2,851 · Income $139,825San Bruno, CARent $2,773 · Income $141,272Brentwood, CARent $2,758 · Income $142,494Laguna Niguel, CARent $2,903 · Income $140,452

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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