Indexed to national average (100)
See what salary you'd need in another city to match your purchasing power in Boston.
About Boston
Boston is a world-class city known for its prestigious universities, medical research, and biotech industry. The cost of living is very high, but strong wages in healthcare, education, and tech offset this.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston expensive?
Boston has a cost of living index of 108.3, where 100 represents the national average. This is close to the national average.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Boston?
Based on a rent-to-income ratio of 30%, you'd need at least $85,880 to afford the median 2-bedroom apartment in Boston and maintain basic expenses.
What is the median rent in Boston?
The median 2-bedroom rent in Boston is $2,147 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.