Massachusetts • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Brookline, Massachusetts

Overall cost of living: +79% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Brookline.

Housing
+240% vs avg
Utilities
+54% vs avg
Groceries
+3% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
+240% vs avg
Median Home Price
$1,816,485
Median Rent
$5,452 / month
Energy Bill
$339.00 / month
Phone Bill
$302.43 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$3.21 / gallon
Food & Grocery
+3% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$4.22
Gallon of Milk
$4.89
Carton of Eggs
$4.83
Bunch of Bananas
$0.79
Hamburger
$5.97
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$206.13
Dentist Visit
$165.58
Optometrist Visit
$187.75
Rx Drug
$29.84
Veterinary Visit
$83.65

Brookline in the Context of Massachusetts

State Avg Cost Index108.3
State Avg Rent$2,705/mo
State Income Tax5%
Cities in State100

Other Cities in Massachusetts

About Living in Brookline, Massachusetts

Brookline is located in Massachusetts and has an overall cost of living that is +79% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Brookline.

Housing: Median rent in Brookline is $5,452 / month, and the median home price is $1,816,485. Housing costs are +240% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.22), milk ($4.89), and eggs ($4.83) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +3% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($206.13), dentist visits ($165.58), and prescription drugs ($29.84). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Massachusetts has a state income tax rate of 5%, which affects take-home pay for Brookline residents.

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Brookline, Massachusetts Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Brookline.

Brookline, Massachusetts has an overall cost of living that is +79% the national average. Housing costs are +240% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +3% vs average. Utilities are +54% vs average. This makes Brookline a relatively expensive city.
The median rent in Brookline, Massachusetts is $5,452 / month. Average energy bills run $339.00 / month. Phone bills average $302.43 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Brookline: doctor's visit averages $206.13, dentist visit averages $165.58, prescription drugs average $29.84. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +3% grocery cost difference.
Brookline is one of 100 cities tracked in Massachusetts. With an overall cost +79% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our Massachusetts state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Brookline offers cost of living +79% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $1,816,485, rent of $5,452 / month, and a state income tax of 5% in Massachusetts. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Brookline fits your budget.