Cost of Living in Boston

Boston has an overall cost-of-living index of 162.4 (national average = 100). This is higher than the Massachusetts statewide average of 148.5. Median home prices are $680,000 and average 2BR rent is $3,100/month.

Yes, Boston is more expensive than the national average with an index of 162.4. Housing is the biggest factor at 252% of the national average.

Average 2-bedroom rent in Boston is $3,100/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the Massachusetts statewide average of $3,094/month.

Groceries in Boston have an index of 105 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $431 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $5.20.

Center-based infant childcare in Boston averages $28,000/year ($2,333/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

Boston's housing index is 252 vs the Massachusetts statewide average of 221. Median home prices are $680,000 in Boston vs $620,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $3,100/month vs $3,094/month statewide.

Boston's transportation cost index is 105.2 (national average = 100). Regular gas averages $3.41/gallon. Transportation costs are near the national average.

Boston's utility cost index is 158 (national average = 100). The estimated average monthly electric bill is $216, compared to the national average of $137/month and the Massachusetts statewide average of $212/month. Utility rates are based on EIA 2024 residential electricity data.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $121,800 in Boston. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.

Based on Boston's cost-of-living index of 162.4, a single adult needs approximately $81,200–$91,200/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by Boston's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.