Boston, Massachusetts has an overall cost of living index of 112.2, which is 12.2 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,093 per month, while the typical home is valued around $710,400. Households earn a median of $94,755 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 41. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$94,755
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,093
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$710,400
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
112.2
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
112.2
Goods
110.0
Rents / Housing
150.2
Services
154.5
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
9.00%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
663,972
Latest estimate
Median Age
33.2 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
41.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Boston?
Boston has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 112.2. The US national average is 100, so Boston is 12.2 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Boston?
The median gross rent in Boston is $2,093 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Boston?
The median household income in Boston is $94,755 per year.
What is the median home value in Boston?
The median home value in Boston is $710,400 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Boston?
Boston has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Boston?
Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a statewide sales tax of 6.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology