Cost of living in Boston

Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and prestigious educational institutions. As a major urban center, understanding the cost of living in Boston is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the city.

The cost of living in Boston can vary significantly depending on various factors such as housing, dining, transportation, and more. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses to help you make informed financial decisions.

An image showcasing the beauty of Boston

People enjoying the surroundings of Boston

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $120, with prices ranging from $70 to $200.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $5.8 to $12, imported beer $7.5 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $5.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $0.92 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.33.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.31 and $7, with an average price of $4.42.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $6, averaging $4.4.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.7 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.6 to $13.23 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $7.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $4.5 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.4 and $4.5, with a monthly pass priced between $90 and $130.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $2.7, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.73 per km and $28 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2700 to $4000, averaging $3319.42.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $3000, averaging $2453.85.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4400 to $7000, averaging $5435.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $5000, averaging $3666.25.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5800 to $16145.87, averaging $11330.62.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4833 to $10763.91, averaging $6691.12.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $122.78 and $303.57, averaging $200.87.
InternetInternet services range from $45 to $125, with an average cost of $72.31.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 193 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$21.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$120.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$12.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.00

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.12

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.52

Cappuccino (regular)

$5.79

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.33

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$4.42

Eggs (regular) (12)

$4.40

Local Cheese (1kg)

$19.50

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.61

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$15.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.53

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.22

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$13.70

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.28

Apples (1kg)

$5.53

Oranges (1kg)

$6.76

Potato (1kg)

$4.53

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.83

Rice (white), (1kg)

$6.11

Tomato (1kg)

$6.99

Banana (1kg)

$2.11

Onion (1kg)

$3.66

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$20.32

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$2.40

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$90.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.96

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$34,000.00

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.70

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$1.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.00

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$24,584.70

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,894.05

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.57%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$2,468.75

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$25,833.33

Worldwide

United States

Cost of Living Rankings

Boston ranks 6th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States.

The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Reasonable

About this index

Massachusetts Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Boston is considered an expensive city to live in, with high costs in housing and dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport being a viable option for many residents.
Grocery prices can vary, but essentials like milk and bread are relatively affordable compared to other expenses.
Utilities and internet services are additional costs to consider, with prices reflecting the city's urban setting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Boston's cost of living is notably high, driven by expensive housing and dining options. However, the city offers a rich cultural and historical environment that many find worth the cost.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing, and consider public transportation to manage expenses effectively. Understanding these costs can help in making informed decisions about living in Boston.

Boston

Nearby Cities

All cities in Massachusetts