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The Cost of Living in Boston

Byline profile imageWritten by Amelia Josephson
Updated on
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A stroll through the streets of Boston is a stroll through American history, and you can enjoy walking on cobblestone streets where the Founding Fathers once stepped. You can also take advantage of Boston’s world-class universities and hospitals, and watch its wildly successful professional sports teams. Before you move to the City on a Hill, though, make sure you take into account the high housing costs associated with both buying and renting. If you’re unsure of how Boston’s cost of living could affect your long-term finances, consider working with a financial advisor.

Home Prices

Buying a home in the Boston metro area doesn’t come cheap. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, the city has one of the highest median single-family home prices on the East Coast. At $722,200, the city ousts the likes of New York ($564,100) and Washington, D.C. ($626,700).

NeighborhoodScout data shows that from 2000 to 2022, the Boston housing market saw a total appreciation rate of almost 194%. Take a look at our Massachusetts mortgage calculator to get an idea how much financing your home with a mortgage may set you back.

Rent

Boston may not be quite as pricey as San Francisco or New York, but it’s still expensive. According to Apartment List , a studio apartment in Boston is going for a median monthly rent of $2,637 in 2021. The median for a one bedroom apartment jumps to $3,193, while a two bedroom crosses the $3,000 threshold at $3,702.

Apartment List’s 2022 September report also indicates that Boston rents far surpass the national median. For studios, the U.S. overall price is $1,383, while the nationwide mark for a two bedroom is $1,360.

Utilities

Regardless of where you decide to live, you’ll need to pay for utilities. According to Numbeo.com data from October 2022, a basic utilities package for a 915-square foot place in Boston will cost you $132.48 per month. That includes electricity, heating, water and garbage, at a price that’s around cheaper than the national average ($175.63).

Food

Boston has plenty of food to offer, from Italian pastries in the North End to steaming bowls of New England clam chowder. If your budget is tight, Numbeo.com (October 2022) estimates you’ll need a minimum of $14.46 per day and $448.11 per month to spend on food. That’s significantly more expensive than the U.S. average, which is $12.35 per day and $382.83 per month. In other words, food in Boston is pricey.

If you decide to eat out, expect to pay around $18 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant comes with an average price of $85, according to Numbeo.com.

Transportation

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs Boston’s public transportation system. A monthly LinkPass gives you unlimited access to Boston’s subway lines and local buses for just $90. That’s much less than you’d pay for the same passes in New York City ($127) and Los Angeles ($100, 50% off after December 2022).

If relying on public transportation just isn’t for you, you’ll need to drive. To register a vehicle with the Massachusetts DMV, you’ll pay a fee of $60. The Massachusetts DMV title fee is $75.

According to 2022 data from GasBuddy, the average cost of a gallon of gas in Boston is $3.59, which is almost exactly in line with the national average. Metered parking in Boston costs $1.25 an hour and $3.75. Parking is always free on Sundays and government holidays.

Taxes

Massachusetts is a high-tax state. Residents of Suffolk County, where Boston is located, have a median home value of $463,200. The median annual property tax payment in the county is $3,559 and the average effective property tax rate is 0.77%.

For income taxes, Massachusetts charges a flat rate (5%) and a flat statewide sales tax rate (6.25%). This sales tax is applied to all items except non-restaurant food and clothing under $175. A local option meals tax of 0.75% may be applied.

The Bay State taxes long-term capital gains at the same 5.10% used for regular income. Short-term capital gains are taxed at a rate of 12%.

Massachusetts has its own estate tax, which applies to any estate over $1,000,000. Rates range from 0.8% to 16% of the taxable estate.

Miscellaneous Cost of Living Facts

SmartAsset: The Cost of Living in Boston

There’s more to quality of life than just the basics. If you want to catch a baseball game at famous Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox tickets averaged $60.09 in 2020, according to Statista.com data.

If baseball isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other entertainment options. An adult ticket to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts will cost you up to $27. A subscription to the online edition of the Boston Globe will cost you $6.93 a week, or $27.72 a month. For a totally free option, you can walk Boston’s Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route that leads you to 16 historically significant sites at no cost.

Tips for Planning a Move to Boston

  • There are a lot of considerations to take into account when you move anywhere, let alone an expensive city like Boston. A financial advisor can be very helpful as you navigate this process. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. SmartAsset has also compiled a rundown of the top financial advisor firms in Boston.
  • Moving your money to a nearby bank is one of the first things you should do when you get to a new city. Rather than starting from scratch, here are a few suggestions: OneUnited Bank, Main Street Bank, Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, Rockland Trust Company and Hingham Institution for Savings.

Photo credit: ©iStock/Sean Pavone, ©iStock/rawintanpin