Burlington, MA

Very High · 191

Massachusetts · Population 26,223 · Updated March 2026

$2,597
Median Rent / Month
$142,207
Median Income
$679,400
Median Home Value
$2,374
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Burlington

21.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$31,164
Annual Rent
$12,799
State Income Tax
$7,813
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Burlington has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 191 (where 100 equals the national median), Burlington residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,597/month while earning a median household income of $142,207/year.

The median home value in Burlington, MA is $679,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,374 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.9% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Burlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Burlington

What is the cost of living in Burlington, MA?
The cost of living index in Burlington, MA is 191 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,597, median household income is $142,207/year, and the median home value is $679,400.
Is Burlington, MA affordable?
No, Burlington is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 191. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Burlington, MA?
The median gross rent in Burlington, MA is $2,597 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $31,164.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington, MA is $142,207 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%.