Cost of Living in Boston, MA (2026)
Planning to live in Boston, MA? Our personalized calculator shows YOUR actual cost of living - not generic averages. Boston, MA has a high cost of living with a COL index of 135 (35% higher than the national average). Average 1BR rent: ~$1,890/mo. Total monthly expenses: ~$4,725 for a balanced lifestyle. Recommended salary: $108,000/year.
Boston costs 35% more than the US national average
Rent consumes 53% of your total expenses — very housing-heavy budget.
💡 Consider a roommate, smaller apartment, or more affordable neighborhood.
71% of your budget is fixed — leaves little room for emergencies.
💡 Reduce fixed expenses to create more financial flexibility.
43% potential savings rate — great for building wealth!
Risk assessment based on financial planning best practices. Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
💬 Use These in Negotiations
“Based on the cost of living in Boston, I would need a minimum of $108,000 to maintain my current standard of living.”
“Moving to Boston requires a salary adjustment of +35% compared to the national average to maintain equivalent purchasing power.”
📊 Salary Tiers for Boston
🔄 If You're Relocating
📋 For HR/Recruiters: These figures are based on actual cost-of-living data for Boston. Use the Recommended Salary ($108,000) as a benchmark for competitive compensation packages.
Methodology: Boston's COL Index (135) is calculated using a weighted average approach similar to C2ER COLI, where 100 = national average. Data updated quarterly. See Sources for more.