The average cost of living in Boston is $3,005.10 per month.
Boston is well known for its role in the American Revolution. However, now Boston is known as “the Hub of the Universe.” The city has the fastest-growing job market in the country in finance, technology, medicine, and government economic sectors.
Like many major cities, Boston’s cost of living is high. In fact, it is known as one of the most expensive places to live in the nation. You will find everything at a higher price tag here than in the other areas of the United States.
In this article, we will help you with everything you need to know about the cost of living if you are looking to live in Boston. Let us take a look!
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including MBTA and Mass.gov. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in Boston, MA – 2024
Housing costs in Boston
Living in the Hub is not cheap. Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. According to payscale.com, Boston’s cost of living is 50% higher than the U.S. average.
Boston rent prices are also some of the highest in the country.
Cost of rent in Boston
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Boston (Outside of Center) |
$2,164.17 |
$3,429.41 |
Cost of buying a property in Boston
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Boston |
$726,400 |
Utility costs in Boston: Internet, electricity and water
Whether you own a house or pay the rent, you must cover the utility cost. However, Boston’s utility cost is higher than in the rest of the United States due to the hot summers and humidity.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$197.81 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$66.22 |
|
Total |
$264.03 |
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Grocery costs in Boston
Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the country to eat in. The grocery cost in Boston is higher than in the rest of the United States. The food cost of products such as eggs, milk, and bread are a little higher than the national average.
|
Grocery items in Boston |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$4.47 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$4.03 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.67 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$5.04 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$8.29 |
|
Chicken Filets (1 lb) |
$6.74 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$8.31 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.45 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.85 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$2.63 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$2.61 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.48 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.68 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$2.66 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$17.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$1.90 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$3.64 |
Public transit in Boston
Boston’s MBTA public transportation system is one of the top-rated in the country, especially regarding accessibility and convenience. Public transport in Boston is safe and efficient. Not only that, Boston’s monthly pass is cheaper than what you would see in other major cities.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single bus ticket |
$1.70 |
|
Single subway ticket |
$2.40 |
|
Daily pass for subway and bus |
$11.00 |
|
Weekly pass for subway, bus, Commuter Rail Zone 1A, Charleston Ferry and East Boston Ferry. |
$22.50 |
|
Monthly LinkPass for subway, bus, Commuter Rail Zone 1A, Charleston Ferry and East Boston Ferry. |
$90.00 |
|
Monthly local bus pass |
$55.00 |
Entertainment costs in Boston
Boston is not only famous for its big schools like Harvard and MIT but it is also famous for biking, jogging and walking trails, beautiful parks, and vast rivers.
|
Entertainment in Boston |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$50.00 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$20.00 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$16.00 |
|
Total |
$86.00 |
Sales tax in Boston
Boston’s sales tax is set by the state of Massachusetts at 6.25%.
Healthcare costs in Boston
Prioritizing health care is paramount, and we make sure to factor healthcare expenses into our budget when relocating. In Boston, healthcare costs may exceed the national average, but the range of available health plans means that prices can vary considerably.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$164.92 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$234.00 |
|
Gym |
$95.10 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
Conclusion
The cost of living in Boston is high; however, the city offers a robust job market, a great food scene, and top-notch universities. The city has an efficient transport system, and the neighborhoods are safe and quiet. If rightly budgeted, you can move to Boston in no time. The average cost of living in Boston is mentioned in the table below:
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$2,164.17 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($76.45 multiplied by 4) |
$305.80 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$197.81 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$66.22 |
|
Transit pass |
$90.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$86.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$95.10 |
|
Total |
$3,005.10 |
