Boston, MA

Very High · 176

Massachusetts · Population 663,972 · Updated March 2026

$2,093
Median Rent / Month
$94,755
Median Income
$710,400
Median Home Value
$2,176
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Boston

26.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Massachusetts

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.15%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$25,116
Annual Rent
$8,528
State Income Tax
$8,170
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Boston has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 176 (where 100 equals the national median), Boston residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,093/month while earning a median household income of $94,755/year.

The median home value in Boston, MA is $710,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,176 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.5%, Boston falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Massachusetts's top income tax rate of 9.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Boston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Boston

What is the cost of living in Boston, MA?
The cost of living index in Boston, MA is 176 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,093, median household income is $94,755/year, and the median home value is $710,400.
Is Boston, MA affordable?
No, Boston is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 176. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Boston, MA?
The median gross rent in Boston, MA is $2,093 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $25,116.
What is the median household income in Boston?
The median household income in Boston, MA is $94,755 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a top income tax rate of 9.0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.15%.

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