Cost of Living in Boston, Massachusetts (2026)
COL Index
162
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$3,000
per month
Median HHI
$90K
per year
State Tax
5%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Boston |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $2,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $3,000 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $4,000 |
| Median home price | $700K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 110 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $90 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $165 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $185 |
| Internet/mo | $70 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $90K |
| State income tax rate | 5.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6.3% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 162 |
| Walk score / 100 | 80 |
Is Boston affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,562/mo take-home
117% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,952/mo take-home
102% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,543/mo take-home
85% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,428/mo take-home
68% rent burden · Difficult
$80K
~$4,723/mo take-home
64% rent burden · Difficult
$100K
~$5,904/mo take-home
51% rent burden · Difficult
$120K
~$6,655/mo take-home
45% rent burden · Difficult
$150K
~$8,319/mo take-home
36% rent burden · Tight
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only