Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Overall index: 148.5 — ranked #2 of 51 (one of the most expensive).
Where your money goes in Massachusetts
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Massachusetts
Estimated annual spending: $102,274($27,274 over budget)
Metro areas in Massachusetts
What things cost in Massachusetts
| Item | Massachusetts | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $620,000 | $360,000 | +$260,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $3,094/mo | $1,400/mo | +$1,694 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.41/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.09 |
| Electric bill | $212/mo | $137/mo | +$75 |
| Infant childcare | $26,709/yr | $13,500/yr | +$13,209 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.08 | $4.95 | +$0.13 |
| Monthly groceries | $421/mo | $410/mo | +$11 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Massachusetts vs national average
What a salary in Massachusetts is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $74,250 | +$24,250 |
| $75,000 | $111,375 | +$36,375 |
| $100,000 | $148,500 | +$48,500 |
| $125,000 | $185,625 | +$60,625 |
| $150,000 | $222,750 | +$72,750 |
| $200,000 | $297,000 | +$97,000 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Massachusetts to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Massachusetts with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has an overall cost-of-living index of 148.5, making it one of the most expensive (ranked #2 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $620,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $3,094/month.
Is Massachusetts expensive to live in?
Yes, Massachusetts is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 148.5 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 221% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Massachusetts?
The median home price in Massachusetts is $620,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $3,094/month. Massachusetts's housing index is 221 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 121% above the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Boston has a housing index of 252.
How much are groceries in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's grocery index is 102.7 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.08 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $421, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Massachusetts?
The average monthly electric bill in Massachusetts is $212 based on the state's residential rate of 23.94¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Massachusetts?
Center-based infant childcare in Massachusetts averages $26,709/year ($2,226/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Massachusetts?
A $75,000 salary in Massachusetts has the same purchasing power as $50,505 at the national average cost of living. Because Massachusetts is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Massachusetts?
Major metro areas in Massachusetts include: Boston (162.4). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 148.5. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Massachusetts Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Massachusetts taxes
- House Affordability in Massachusetts — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Massachusetts take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.