What is the cost of living in Boston, MA?

In Boston, the median home value is $684,900 and median rent is $1,981 per month, against a median household income of $89,212. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Boston?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,981/month, that implies an income of about $79,240 to keep housing affordable in Boston.

Is it better to rent or buy in Boston?

With a median home value of $684,900 and median rent of $1,981/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Boston depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Boston, MA Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Boston, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

665,945

Population

$89,212

Median household income

+23% vs tracked median

$684,900

Median home value

+109% vs tracked median

$1,981/mo

Median rent

+42% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

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Boston, Massachusetts is home to roughly 665,945 residents. The typical household earns $89,212 per year — above the median across cities we track (+23%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $684,900 (above the multi-city median at +109%), while renters pay a median of $1,981 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Boston

Median home value is $684,900 and median gross rent is $1,981/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Boston.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

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Moving to Boston

Planning a move to Boston? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Boston, MA?: In Boston, the median home value is $684,900 and median rent is $1,981 per month, against a median household income of $89,212. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Boston?: A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,981/month, that implies an income of about $79,240 to keep housing affordable in Boston.
Is it better to rent or buy in Boston?: With a median home value of $684,900 and median rent of $1,981/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Boston depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.