2026 city cost profile
Cost of Living in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts has an overall cost of living index of 144.3, which is 44% above the national average.
Index
144.3
44% above the national average
Key stats
Index
144.3
National average = 100
Rent
$3,775
Estimated average monthly rent
Home price
$722,000
Estimated median home price
Income
$114,000
Estimated median household income
Category breakdown
Category indexes use 100 as the U.S. national average baseline.
| Category | City index | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 198 | 100 | +98.0% |
| Groceries | 122 | 100 | +22.0% |
| Transportation | 114 | 100 | +14.0% |
| Healthcare | 113 | 100 | +13.0% |
| Utilities | 106 | 100 | +6.0% |
| Miscellaneous | 121 | 100 | +21.0% |
Salary needed
Single adult
$120,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Family of four
$265,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Monthly budget examples
Single
$6,790
Couple
$11,270
Family
$15,890
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Q1 2026
Data as of Q1 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, HUD Fair Market Rents.
Cost of living indexes use the national average as baseline (100). Data is updated periodically.